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My Little Blue Book

Submitted by Alex Tanner on Tue, 2024-02-27 18:49

I have a little book, it's blue,
In fairly good condition.
Published 1863,
The 34th Edition.

This pocket book of which I speak
Cost one and ninepence new.
A goodly sum in days of old
Could buy much bread and brew.

I try to learn much as I can
With exercises plenty,
Till page 73 my brain implodes
With recapitulatories many.

Etymology and Syntax
Plus six kinds of moods,
Indicative, Subjunctive,
Potential is there too.

There are genders,there are nouns,
Verbs weak and some verbs strong.
Interrogative pronouns,
The list goes on and on.

By now I'm sure you realise
This little book I own
Teaches English Grammar
And how it should be known.

162 pages
I'm up too 81,
Derivatives Anglo-Saxon
Home of my mother tongue.

For years I've owned my little blue book
And often I give thought
To learn this foreign language
As I sip my evening malt.

Review Request (Intensity): 
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Comments

Geezer

Tue, 2024-02-27 23:05

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I wrote a paper on the shifts in the English language when I was in college.
I have been facinated with how you can trace certain idioms, words and phrases
to influences from around the world. Without language, we would still be climbing trees
and digging roots to survive. Yes, "God" destroyed the "Tower of Bable'' to slow down our rebellious nature.
Any self-respecting god would have recognized the danger of having too many of us get together and start planning.
But that is another story for another time. Good work! ~ Geez.
.

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Alex Tanner

Thu, 2024-02-29 14:32

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Thanks Geezer, It is a fascinating book but I could never imagine it being taught like that nowadays. Alex.

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Candlewitch

Wed, 2024-02-28 09:05

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at age 73, I am still learning English even though I was born American. I much enjoyed your poem.

*Hugs, Cat

*
When someone reads your work
And responds, please be courteous
And reply in kind, thanks.

Alex Tanner

Thu, 2024-02-29 14:34

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Hi Cat, I'm english and still learning but we were never taught like that. Alex

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Lavender

Wed, 2024-02-28 21:55

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Hello, Alex,
It sounds like you have a real treasure there! Are you a collector, or is it an heirloom? What a prize, and I can only imagine how language has changed since it was published. A poem-worthy book, and it sounds like you are relaxing and enjoying reading it while drinking your evening malt!
Thank you!
L

Alex Tanner

Thu, 2024-02-29 14:49

Alex Tanner's picture

It,s a fascinating book, it has been with me for as long as I can remember. No idea where I got it. I'm not a book collector, though I am an avid reader. I collect coins and cigarette cards, especially the early American cards, some beautiful stuff there, and my wife collects banknotes and postcards. Alex

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Alex Tanner

Thu, 2024-02-29 14:46

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I liked the way you commented. It's a wonderful language, but then I'm biased. Even so I get totally lost with much of this book and try to imagine how it was taught in schools over 150 years ago. Alex.

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