Airy verse warmly oblique
blows abaft, blows athwart
Rhyming bursts in thoughtful pique
lighthearted to cavort
Verse anxious to comport
without baring fangs
just aiming to transport
holding back harangues
Make stanzas tight
not staid or prosy
Make the tone light
but not too rosy
Set not out to sway
or to dissuade
Never try upbraid
attempt allay
Show mercy, so don’t hold forth
Have pity, make verses short
+)
-abaft = from the stern
-athwart = right angle to the ship’s center