Sound & Sense, 2-89

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. know (verb): to perceive directly; to be aware of the truth; to have sexual intercourse with (archaic); (noun): knowledge

2. no (adv.): used to give a negative answer; used to introduce a statement that corrects and earlier statement; (adj.): not any; (noun): a negative answer; a vote of no

Todd had no reason—no, nor cause—

To try to kill old Santa Claus.

The man in red, who seemed to know

The naughty/nice of man and crow

And dog and cat and … everything

With foot and hoof and fin and wing,

Somehow did not become aware

Of danger in the Christmas air

Until mad Todd sprang his surprise—

Some mace he shot in Santa’s eyes.

But Santa had no fear of mace—

He was invulnerable, his face

Protected by his age and beard,

And so what Todd had deeply feared

Indeed came very, sadly true:

“No gifts!” cried Santa. “None for you!

In fact, you’ll never ‘know’ cute Anne—

Try as you will, try as you can!”

So Todd crept off and wept a tear.

“I’ll try again!” he vowed. “Next year!”