Sound and Sense, 2-40

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. lightening (verb): participial form of lighten—to make light or clear; to relieve of a burden

2. lightning (noun): the flashes of light that are produced in the sky during a storm

She felt like lightening the mood

With what is known as “comfort food.”

And so she filled a tray of snacks—

And hoped there’d be no heart attacks.

But then a storm came whirling in—

With thunder, lightning—what a din!

She stepped outside—and what a jolt

Came from a vicious lightning bolt.

For her a funeral—heavy load.

But there she lay, and—oh!—she glowed!