Sound and Sense, 2-31

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. laps (noun): plural of lap—the front part of the lower trunk and thighs of a seated person; a complete turn around a track or race courses + many others; (verb): 3^rd person singular of lap—to take in food or drink with the tongue, etc.

2. lapse (noun): an occurrence in which you fail to think or act in the usual or proper way for a brief time and make a mistake; (verb): to stop for usually a brief time; to become no longer effective or valid

I claimed it was a kind of lapse

When I forgot to do some laps

The other day. The coach: “Perhaps

That sort of sick excuse

Would sway some inattentive goose,

But you have got some wiring loose

If you think that will work with me!”

His eyes flashed some severity,

And so I slumped down to a knee

And begged forgiveness. “My dog laps

His water, Sir, and even flaps

His ears. Oh, surely there are apps

To help me to avoid another lapse?”

“A dog? His ears?” The coach just snaps!

They took him off, tied down with straps.

So once again I have escaped

A punishment. No hero, caped,

Deserves a trophy that is shaped

Exactly like a lying tongue.

But my awards you can see hung

Up in my room—yes, there among

The homework that I haven’t done—

The homework that I’ve not begun—

Oh, once again, I’ve won! won! won!