Something happened just last night.
I realised with a dreadful fright;
Of all the silent letters known,
there's one, I feel, that stands alone.
Of all the silent letters used,
there's one that seems the most abused.
This letter seems a little haughty,
when in the hands of someone naughty...
Ghetto, gherkin, Ghan, or ghastly;
get to work. Can I say lastly,
it wouldn't stand the chance of a ghost,
because the silent letter most
is not the silent one in 'ghoul'.
It's not the one we know in school.
It is in ghoul and ghost and Ghan,
but let me state it if I can.
Forget the "H". Believe you me,
the silent scoundrel is a "G".
It's found in words like gnat and gnaw
It's also in a whole lot more.
It's nice in gneiss, and neat in gnome.
In gnomon it has made a home.
It's in a word that I find comic;
Wise and pithy truths are 'gnomic'.
'Gnostic' means that you have knowledge.
For 'gnosis' go to gospel college.
Another word which may be new;
long horned antelope - the 'Gnu".
My silent letter theory grew;
Is there nothing "G" can't do?
But then occurred another thing;
It's only partly heard in 'string'.
'Singing' yet another word
where neither "G" is fully heard.
G's quiet again in gnarled and gnash,
but don't be hasty; don't be rash,
'coz "G" can't always be so quiet,
or there would be a language riot!
Imagine if a plan was hatched
that letter "G" would be despatched.
We'd let it go. We'd cut it loose.
We'd right it off. No more for use.
But just as I _limpsed this _olden _leam
a _rim thou_ht _utted my _lorious dream.
The thou_ht was _ross and truly heinous ...
What would we call poor Aunty Agnus?!
(c) MrsMyth
