In Praise of the Azure

Nothing sinks the editorial heart more swiftly than the sudden appearance of an archaic word in the middle of a colloquial sentence, when it seems to be there just to sound “poetic” – in other words, to strain after an effect. “Azure” is an example that comes to my inbox with depressing frequency. Has it actually earned its place in any good poem of the last hundred years? George Simmers

As you're not fond of that "poetic" word
Azure, I'm mailing on to you this rhyme
Assuring you that it is not absurd
To sing of the azure when you have time.

A jury's out on whether to indict
Azure; is it or is it not a crime?
Assuredly a misdemeanour, right?
I sing of the azure while doing time.

"Ah, sure," the Irish poet wryly said,
"Azure, 'tis just a word that's neat, sublime.
Assure yourself, I keep it in my head
and sing of the azure while beating time."

A sure and simple guide on how to use
Azure; is it, of blue, the most sublime
Assurance of the best of all the blues?
It is; sing the azure one final time.

Conor Kelly

If you have any comments on this poem, Conor Kelly would be pleased to hear from you.