Beautiful Poem

Yesterday at the Alamo Drafthouse in Austin, the guy presenting the weekly midnight horror movie (Parents) couldn't remember that night's dinner specials. He ended up coming out with a beautiful little couplet, which must be shared:

      if you get a pizza, you get a free something
      and if you get something else, you get something free

You must say it aloud to truly appreciate this gem! And what a big laugh he got from all 200 people present!

I sat there for the longest time marvelling at the symmetry of his impromptu poem: In lieu of rhyming, he reversed the two words at the end of the line, but it resulted in much the same effect.

Also notice that though each line has 12 syllables, the first line has a 6-6 phrase division while the second line has a 7-5 division, resulting in a pleasing little punch at the end:

• The first two 6 phrases set you up for a certain rhythm.
• This rhythm makes the following 7 phrase seem a bit suspenseful, as if someone were drawing their arm back for an elaborate roundhouse.
• Finally, two syllables are shaved off for the final 5 phrase, suprising you with a quick jab instead of a roundhouse.
• All this fits neatly within the overall 12-12 structure.