The News For Parrots ~ If Cleo Had Only Been Liz

from Types of Pan by Keith Preston, 1919

Onomatomancy

The urge of the midge to the flame,
   Is naught to the lure of a handle;
The mind is a fluttering moth
   And a name is the perilous candle.

I know names that are smoother than silk,
   And names that are softer than butter;
I know names that are perfectly sweet,
   And names that are utterly utter.

If Cleo had only been Liz
   Her beauty would not have distraught me.
If Flo had been Irma her phiz
   Would never, no never, have caught me.

Oh Min! When I hear it I wince!
    Maria may rank as a charmer;
But her monicker makes her a quince:
   A name is the joint in my armor!

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