What's worse, song or verse?

Ameranth told me this morning that she thinks she may have a musical form of Tourette's. All day yesterday, when her coworker said something to her, she sang one word of it back to her. She later apologized, but her coworker had been amused, not annoyed.

I reminded her of a recent comment from her grandfather about some days being those that make you come up with a song as a response to any conversation. Totally normal. For our family anyway.

Then I get the daily email from my father- in verse, which happens from time to time, and usually provokes a similar response from at least one of his children.

Here's his original message:

Bob and Fran went out to work.....

Boy they both must be a jerk!

Ten minutes struggle, and they were done

And they weren't even in the sun!

Went inside, got water in their glass

Went onto the porch, and sat on their ass.

Tomorrow, tomorrow, maybe tomorrow

Just you wait and see!

So I sent this reply:

Your struggles sound so familiar
You think a little work will kill ya,
Even though a few years ago
Through it all you'd easily mow!

I think twice and then again,
Before I halve my original plan.
I start off great and slowly fold
Boy, it sucks to get old!

But, what difference does it make
Just how long it may take?
You've got the time, and the will,
And many years left to you still.

I just got another email from him:

Listen our children, and you shall hear

Of the exploits of your folks, so dear.

We went out again; 'twas just after noon;

With a shovel, no less, but we didn't swoon.

We huffed and we puffed, and we finally did do it

Just like we knew we could; we just kept tuit.

That post is now out, laying on the ground.

'Twasn't too rotten, in fact was still sound.

But- now there's an iron post; a former supporter

Which won't move an inch - not even a quarter.

But, today's chore is done; there's always tomorrow

So don't feel for the old folks; we don't need your sorrow!

And on Friday, we'll probably be out there again - on the 'morrow.

Now we are resting - the AC is going,

All is well in our world; we are still growing!

I sent this back:

Okay, I am very impressed

That you finished your quest.

Leave the post that can't be stirred,

And add a house for a bird.

His emails are much more entertaining than mine, but I know he likes a response. Plus it amuses me and that's why I write this blog too- to amuse myself- that, and to share my funny, funny family.