I met a friend
Who carried in his hand
A bunch of lilies galore,
‘Ah! Those Flaars (flowers),’ I cried
He smirked and smiled.
‘Flaars are gone,’ he said
‘It’s Flah-wer you see,
Times are changing
You need a new dictionary!!!’
I brushed this meeting aside
Calling it his pride
Until a day in school
When a colleague pointed out
that Zeb-ruh (Zebra) is no more.
‘Poor souls!’ I lamented
‘Were they in the endangered list?’
‘Come on!’ she sighed
‘It’s Zee-bruh and that’s what you’ve missed!!!’
‘Oh!’ I said
‘I Of-tuhn (often) miss these things now.’
‘Tsk Tsk. Of-uhn, you missed that too somehow.’
I was beginning to panic
It was a little too much,
My honour was at stake, already, as such.
I began to tread carefully,
And invested
in a new dictionary
that would help me learn
if it was
Z-ed (Z) or Zee
And so, I sat in Prai-vuh-see (privacy)
of my little room
Only to know that it was Priv-uh-see
a little too soon!!!
I began to feel asphyxiated
and asked for some Wodder (water)
Only to be ticked off politely
before being given some Wahta.
I was beginning to feel like a freak
And thought I’d do well
to join my Cleek (clique).
‘Welcome to the Clik,’ they said.
‘This learning will stand you in good stead!’
Even moments of Lezh-uh (leisure)
seemed utterly confused
For Lee-zhuhr
It was pointed out
was completely misconstrued.
It was time I put my foot down
And pop in a Vit-a-min (vitamin)
‘Vaite-a-min,’ someone screamed.
‘Does it really matter,’ I said
‘As long as I know, what I’m taking in!’
There’s never a single way
To say the things you mean
Language is no more than a tool to express
and pronunciation no big deal!
Language variation is real
So, don’t judge me by your rule,
As long as you understand what I mean
Don’t mind my calling it shedual (schedule) or skedule.
It’s time you stop obsessing
with the rolling of those Rs,
Look a little further
Don’t fret over the Varz (vase).
Even if I call it Vays
It doesn’t change what it is
No matter what everyone says!!!
So, don’t lose your sleep
Over measly Zee and Z-ed
Just widen your horizon
and enjoy this diversity instead!
****************************************************************
This post is the last in a series written for Blogchatter’s AtoZChallenge 2019. The other posts in this series may be read here.
Hahaha! This was awesome! I was reminded of my voice and accent training in Delhi, when I started my BPO stint! 😀
Excellent take on Z.
Btw, how do I continue to follow your blog? FB and Twitter are not reliable.
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I do have a follow the blog section here. Thanks so much. But is it because we are on blogspot and wordpress because even I am unable to follow your blog.
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Sonia …. this reminded me of the poem Hints on pronunciation on foreigners and believe me yours is outstanding . Would proudly share your write up .congratulations !!looking forward for more!
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Thank you Shubh.
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Thanks for sharing such a nice article
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SO amazing, SO relevant! You really should write more free verse – it brings out the best in you. I have loved following your blog this past month and will continue to do so. Keep inspiring us with your heartfelt work ❤
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Thanks so much! Feelings are mutual. Let’s keep writing!
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Eh!! How come this comment didnt go through yet??
Loved the poem Sonia!! Very well used words humourously!! 🙂
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Thank you
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Congrats on completing the series
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Interesting… and a very creative expression Sonia…. am so glad to discover your blog through BlogchatterA2Z… You have an avid reader and a loyal fan in me now…. See u around…
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Thank you so much for staying on and being such a wonderful reader. I’m a little poor in my social skills so couldn’t reciprocate well. But appreciate all your love!
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Funny , interesting and awesome as always. congratulations on completing your atozchallenge journey 💐💐
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Thank you Shruti.
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Your writing skills are a no match! The way you play with words and come up with the simple yet impactful messages is just outstanding! Thank you for this lovely and humorous lesson of phonetics. Glad that I discovered your blog via this challenge. Hearty ongratulations to complete this marathon!
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I’m so glad you enjoyed reading the blog Rashmi. Thank you for so much love.
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Pleasure is all mine!
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hehe so true!! Loved how you expressed
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Thank you so much!
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You are a wordsmith my dear. This is why I keep saying that you are a writer par excellence. The way you have played with phonetics and words is outstanding.
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Thanks so much!!💐💐
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This is an exceptional piece of huuy-mer (humour) Sonia…just loved reading it and savouring the diversity of pro-noun-siya-shon (pronounciation)..
Keep writing girl..look forward to much more from you!!
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Thank you Richa. You have been a wonderful support.
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By the way -the word is pronounced as – pro-NUN-ciation!! (wink wink)
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Ha ha… That’s another nazi thing!!!🤣🤣
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Wow!!! One of the best.. very well written and clearly conveys the message..
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Thank you so much!!💐💐
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so well done – 😊😊😊
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Thank you 💐💐
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My pleasure
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Haha! I’m more of a British English than American English.
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I think most old schools are, hence all the confusion.
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Thanks for sharing such a beautiful articles Sonia. I used to look forward for a new read every day. You have got such an amazing talent. Each article is a delight and nothing could have been better than this poem for a grand finale 👏👏👍👍🙂
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Thanks for being regular on reading the blog
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