For one year, I’ve been writing fifty-word pieces. I had considered myself the King of Concision. Then, I read Kevin Barber’s The Century, which are exactly 100 words. This was on my mind when friend and wordsmith, Fred Eaglesmith, told me I go on too much. The rest is Fifty.

I wish that I hockey skills
Like Gretzky, Crosby, or Peters; Pete
I’d score big goals, make big saves
And bring them to their feet

I wish the world were perfectly fair
And everyone had an equal chance
To live and learn and love
To dine and drink and dance

For years, Sarah Thomson was the only person who’d publish my work. No hyperbole, she changed my life. Sarah is hard working, determined, fearless, and resourceful. She thrives in hard times. Sarah surrounds herself with good people. Her husband is a gem; a true gentleman. Vote for Sarah, without doubt.

Already late, but scuttling around
Looking for something that can’t be found

Good Heavens! Where did it go?
It was just here ten seconds ago

Mother has it and gave it to me
It runs, alas, in the family

Things, of course, could be worse
But absentmindedness is a curse

I like coffee and herbal teas
I like toast with stinky cheese
I like parks with beautiful trees
I like birds, I like bees

I like mountains, I like plains
I like sunshine when it rains
Cars are fine; but I like trains
I like women with big, bouncy brains

Poverty, AIDS, and utter despair
No sign of God anywhere

And then the wrath of quaking ground
Again, good God could not be found

But from every corner everywhere
Came help and hope and heartfelt prayer

I do not know if God exists
But I thank God that love persists

Be grateful. Be humble. Be nice. Breath. Create. Eat well. Empathise. Exercise. Forgive. Forgo. Go. Help. Laugh. Listen. Love. Practice. Praise. Read. Relax. Rest. Rhyme. Run. Say please. Say thank-you. Share. Shoot! Sing. Sit up straight. Skate. Slow down. Smile. Speak up. Stop. Sympathise. Think. Vote. Walk. Work hard. Write.

Breaking spirits, cutting throats
Spreading lies, taking notes
Entirely without remorse
Everyday, he stayed the course

He got his castle and his throne
But sat up there all alone
And when they threw him in the ground
No one came and stood around
To mourn or cry or say, Good-bye

Strunk and White were emphatic that vigorous writing has to be concise and devoid of unnecessary words, so all writers are encouraged to edit effectively.

Strunk and White were emphatic that vigorous editing is critical to good writing.

Editing is critical to good writing.

Editing is critical.

Edit, dummy.

Edit.

Fancy Nancy
Posh Josh
Dark Mark
Black Jack
Slick Mick
Slow Joe
Odd Todd
Screwy Loui
Crazy Daisy
Spacey Tracey
Slim Jim
Tall Paul
Large Marge
Skinny Minnie
Doughy Joey
Fred Head
Claire Bear
Merry Sherry
Hairy Mary
Scary Harry
Tardy Hardy
Early Shirley
Dirty Gerty
Randy Andy
Juicy Lucy