Ed was proofing the poem I wrote for Haiku Friday.
He was dutifully counting each line, making sure I was sticking to the 5-7-5 convention.
Then he got to the word prayer. One syllable or two? I STRONGLY contend it’s two. Ed STRONGLY contends it’s one.
I am an editor-type person. I know these things. I was so sure I was right that I INSISTED we make a friendly wager. (I don’t bet on anything. Ever. What got into me?)
Being the loving wife I am, I tried to go easy on Ed. We agreed that the one who lost would make the other the meal of her… I mean of his or her… choice. Ed always cooks — and LIKES to cook — so I figured the loss wouldn’t hurt him too much.
Well, the only one hurting here is me. And the hurt is DEEP!
Turns out that in English, the word prayer, as it relates to one who prays, is two syllables. (Example: “I am a prayer.”) The act of saying a prayer, or of the “thing” prayer, is one syllable. (Examples: “Join me in prayer” or “Prayer works.”)
I’ve told Ed that I will make him the ravioli with HOMEMADE PASTA he wants, but that I want to wait until I can do it cheerfully. By my calculation, that means he’ll get his ravioli around 2012. Maybe. And since I’ve never MADE homemade pasta before he’ll probably still be digesting the pasta in 2015.
So say a prayer for Ed. No matter now many syllables you use, with my cooking, he’s going to need them. THAT you can bet on.
Stumble It!
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Big grin
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Yeah, but you don’t have to make ravioli! ;)
Ooh, that’s a tough one. For sure I would have said one syllable. No question about it. Was the way you used it in your poem meant to be two syllables?
If it was used that way, like in the example you gave, I would say this falls into gray area and perhaps Ed could make the pasta and you could make the sauce, providing a win-win on both sides.
Ed says this does NOT fall into a gray area… sigh… But he did say he’d make the sauce… We’ll see how I do with the pasta.
You bet him dinner? Bwahahahaha. :)
I know… not my smartest move.
Oooooh…I hate it when I make (and lose) those marital bets. Sigh….
I came by on HF, but then I got so involved in reading about your friend Tricia, I forgot to comment. Oops. But I am so glad she is doing well. I’ll keep her in my prayers.
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No sweat, Melissaz. I know they appreciate the prayers (one syllable for the word “prayers” or two?). And I hate when I lose those bets, too. AARGH!