To fetch a pail of water, or: Tumbling after

A limerick

For the umpteenth time, Jack sent contrite verse,
But to excuses Jill had grown much averse;
He'd changed since hitting his crown,
Swinging his pail around town...
She'd come to yearn for a man loyal and terse!
Image credit:
Leighann Blackwood (Unsplash)

What do you see #177

For WDYS #177, Sadje invites us to write a piece inspire by the above image of a piece of paper thatโ€™s scorched at the top. The intact part shows the following text:

Love is patient.
Love is kind.
It does not envy or boast.
Itโ€™s not proud, rude, or self-seeking.
It is not easily angry and keeps no record of past mistakes.
It does not delight in evil.
It rejoices in the truth.


Let’s write poetry together!

When it comes to partnership, some humans can make their lives alone – it’s possible. But creatively, it’s more like painting: you can’t just use the same colours in every painting. It’s just not an option. You can’t take the same photograph every time and live with art forms with no differences.

Ben Harper (b. 1969)

Would you like to create poetry with me and have a completed poem of yours featured here at the Skeptic’s Kaddish? I am very excited to have launched the ‘Poetry Partners’ initiative and am looking forward to meeting and creating with you… Check it out!

50 thoughts on “To fetch a pail of water, or: Tumbling after”

  1. As a reader, I can’t help but feel a tinge of sympathy for Jack, who seems to be trying his best to win back Jill’s affection. However, as the limerick progresses, it becomes clear that Jill has had enough of Jack’s apologies and is looking for someone who is more reliable and sincere. The line “She’d come to yearn for a man loyal and terse!” is particularly telling, as it suggests that Jill is tired of Jack’s empty words and is seeking a partner who is dependable and straightforward.

    At the same time, I can also see Jack’s perspective. It can be difficult to change old habits and patterns of behavior, especially if they have become ingrained over time. Jack may genuinely want to be a better partner to Jill, but his efforts may not be enough to overcome her growing frustration and disappointment.

    Overall, this limerick offers a humorous but poignant commentary on the complexities of romantic relationships. It reminds us that love requires not just words, but also actions, and that true loyalty and commitment are essential ingredients for lasting happiness. Thank you, for sharing this limerick with us. ๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿ‘Œ๐Ÿ˜Š

      1. I’m glad to hear that my analysis was helpful and resonated with you. It’s always great to know that my insights have made a positive impact. Thank you, David, for your kind words of appreciation! ๐Ÿ˜Š

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