Sound and Sense, 2-3

Time for more instances of the homophone: a word pronounced the same as another but differing in meaning, whether spelled the same way or not, as heir and air.

1. hansom (noun): a light 2-wheeled covered carriage with the driver’s seat elevated behind—also called a hansom cab (origin: Joseph A. Hansom)

2. handsome (adj.): pleasing to look at (especially of a person); large in size or amount; done or achieved in an impressive way

For all his legal services

He charged a handsome fee,

A fee too large, to tell the truth,

For one the likes of me. 

My occupation at the time?

I drove a hansom cab.

My income was so very slight—

Not just a drop—a dab.

But I was very handsome, so

I just got by on looks—

The kind of looks you read about

In naughty sorts of books.

But, as I said, my lawyer was

Expensive—much too high.

And I so I merely stiffed him, and

I bid the dude good-bye.

But cops are never fooled too long.

They found me in a bar.

I was good-looking—not too bright—

And had not gone too far.

They locked me up for failing to

Pay all my legal bills.

And now I have much more of them—

Oh, debt! It really kills.