The Steve Laube Agency

Supercalifragilistic Writing
by Frank Ball (https://frankball.org/supercalifragilistic-writing/)
reprinted with permission

It started one day when I felt quite atrocious,
My writing was messy, my grammar ferocious.
I needed a spark that was bold and ambitious,
A word so grand, something bright, and delicious.

I thought and I thought. My words were explosious,
When out popped a word that was highly composious.
It jingled and jangled. It rhymed with precocious.
Yes, it was supercalifragilisticexpialidocious.

Some say that word is absurd and pretentious,
Too long, too loud, and maybe too boisterous.
But I say it sings with a joy so contagious,
It tickles the tongue and stirs hearts outrageous.

So if you feel glum or just mildly contorcious,
If your poem’s flat or your prose is monstrocius.
Just shout this long word. It’s not preposterous.
It’s simply supercalifragilisticexpialidocious.

For super means “more,” and cali means “fair.”
Fragilistic means “handle with gentle care.”
Expi means “pardon.” Ali means “strange,”
And docious means “learning”—a wonderful range.

So gather your words, the weak and the strong,
The short ones, the sharp ones, the ones that belong.
Then blend them with laughter, both deep and devotious,
And make them supercalifragilisticexpialidocious.

Frank Ball is a long-time friend and a true supporter of writers. Visit his website for a ton of great advice.