Arthur M Ogden

Frederic Ogden Nash, born in 1902, became a widely recognized American poet known for his over 500 pieces of light verse. His distinctive, unconventional rhyming schemes and wordplay earned him acclaim, with The New York Times labeling him the nation's foremost producer of humorous poetry.

Nash's early life saw his family relocate frequently due to his father's business. He developed a lifelong passion for rhyme from a young age, often creating new words when existing ones didn't fit his rhyming needs. After a brief stint at Harvard and teaching, he explored various jobs, including selling bonds and writing advertisements, before finding his calling. His submission of rhymes to The New Yorker led to an editorial role and the publication of his first collection, "Hard Lines," in 1931, which brought him national attention. His career also included guest appearances on radio and television, lectures, and work on Broadway musicals.

Nash's poetry is characterized by its surprising and often pun-like rhymes, frequently achieved through deliberate misspellings or unconventional pronunciations of words. He also employed a technique of combining words to create rhymes, as seen in his "Adventures of Isabel." His verse often featured exaggerated forms with rhyming couplets of unequal length and irregular meter. Nash frequently offered playful twists on existing sayings or well-known poems, demonstrating a unique approach to language and form. While primarily known for humor, his work sometimes touched upon societal observations and stereotypes, and he penned poems on diverse subjects including animals, baseball, and national policies.

Throughout his writing career, Nash also engaged in public performances, including guest spots on comedy shows, radio programs, and lectures at universities across the United States and the United Kingdom. His work was respected by the literary establishment and frequently included in anthologies, even those focusing on more serious poetry. Nash contributed lyrics to Broadway musicals such as "One Touch of Venus" and "Two's Company." His deep affection for the Baltimore Colts football team was even featured in Life magazine, accompanied by several of his poems about the team. His prolific output resulted in the publication of 14 volumes of his best work between 1931 and 1972.

“I think in terms of rhyme, and have since I was six years old”

“Came to New York to make my fortune as a bond salesman and in two years sold one bond—to my godmother. However, I saw lots of good movies.”

“They are about the most original stuff we have had lately.”

“If called by a panther / Don't anther”

“Who wants my jellyfish? / I'm not sellyfish!”