Definition of Terms

1.	A verbal composition designed to convey experiences, ideas, or emotions in a vivid and imaginative way, characterized by the use of language chosen for its sound and suggestive power and by the use of literary techniques such as meter, metaphor, and rhyme.
2.	A composition in verse rather than in prose.
3.	A literary composition written with an intensity or beauty of language more characteristic of poetry than of prose.
4.	A creation, object, or experience having beauty suggestive of poetry.

Bridge players are creative in practically every thing they do. Their minds wander, ponder, imagine new worlds, remember more, and create. One result is called a poem, for which one of the above definitions apply.

We are compiling a list of poems, rhymes, prose and verses for the enjoyment of all our visitors. If you would like to contribute, then please contact us via email below. We wish everyone pleasant reading.

Note: The picture is of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, who was born August 28, 1749, in Frankfurt am Main, Germany, and died March 22, 1832. His many achievements were that of a poet, playwright, novelist, scientist, statesman, theatre director, critic, and amateur artist. He is considered, by many of the literary world, as the greatest German literary figure of the modern era. All poems carry his picture.

A classic among the bridge publications was authored by Carolyn Wells. Carolyn Wells wrote the publication titled The Rubáiyát of Bridge, or The Rubaiyat of Bridge (without the accents marks). A rubai is (in Persian poetry) a quatrain; or a poem in such stanzas. The designation of Rubáiyát is a derived form ot rubai. The word itself is alledgedly a plural word derived from the root meaning 'four'. The outline of the poem itself is defined as a-a-b-a, whereby the first and second lines ryhme with the fourth line, whereas the third line does not necessarily have to ryhme. An example from the Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyam, as follows, illustrates this poetic form:

VII
Come, fill the Cup, and in the fire of Spring
Your Winter-garment of Repentance fling:
The Bird of Time has but a little way
To flutter - and the Bird is on the Wing.

Since its initial release in 1909, this publication has been a favorite of the literary world owing to its prose and depictions of the so-called upper-class society of that era. The message contained in the poetry of the lines is also appropriate and suitable for that time. The artistry accompanying the poetry is of the utmost quality and should be viewed as the best of that era. We recommend strongly that the visitor stop by and enjoy a few moments of leisure.

Some of these poems and verses have been contributed by players, who wish to remain anonymous. Others have been collected over the years, but no authorship has been claimed. If you read any verses here, which you identify as your own creation, then please let us know so that we can add your name, if you so wish. Otherwise the source is named.

50 Ways To Lose Your Partner
Written by and contributed by: Marilyn Hemenway
Source: Bridge Bulletin, November 2006, Page 51
Based on the song 50 Ways To Leave Your Lover by Paul Simon.

 

An Ode To Bridge
Written by: lastauni
Occasion: SWAN's 9th Birthday 2009

Just Sit Right Back and You'll Hear a Tale
Written by: Terry Young
Contributed by: Annemarie Humenuk

You Say You Got a Hand
Written by: Terry Young
Contributed by: Annemarie Humenuk
Based on the song Take It On The Run by REO Speedwagon

I'm Down Two
Written by: Terry Young
Contributed by: Annemarie Humenuk
Based on a song by Avril Lavigne

I Had To Escape
Written by: Terry Young
Contributed by: Annemarie Humenuk

Born, With These Cards to Play
Written by: Terry Young
Contributed by: Annemarie Humenuk

Got An Ace and King and Doubleton Jack
Written by: Terry Young
Contributed by: Annemarie Humenuk

I Can't Pretend Anymore
Written by: Terry Young
Contributed by: Annemarie Humenuk

Well, You Can Tell by the Way I Use My Trump
Written by: Terry Young
Contributed by: Annemarie Humenuk

Lebanese Limerick
Contributer: Anonymous

No Guess For Bess
Contributor: Anonymous

Daffynitions
Contributor: Anonymous

Over the Table and Through LHO
Written by: Robbie Rouch
Source: Contract Bridge Forum
Volume 80, Issue 12, December 2005, Page 12

Dani At The Bat
Source: Daily News
World Bridge Championship
Paris, France - October 22 to November 23, 2001
Issue No. 14, Saturday Evening, November 3, 2001

I Am The Very Model
Written by: Richard James Hill

An Elderly Player Called Prain
Written by: Philip Prain

Mistook My Partner's Intent
Written by: John Hill

Said A Mature Student
Written by: John Hill

Bridge Players on the Titanic
Written by: Harry Dalmeny

A Red-Faced Old Colonel From Cheam
Written by: Harry Dalmeny

A Masochist With Very Short Sight
Written by: Harry Dalmeny

A Major Who Hailed From Chicago
Written by Michael Adams

Three Wise Kings
Written by Harry Dalmey

If Your Partner Cannot Follow Suit
Written by Harry Dalmey

There Was an Astronomer Hubble
Written by John Evans

There Once was a Shy Little Cupid
Written by Valerie Redgrave

There's a Brilliant Bridge Teacher Called Robson
Written by Maud Alexander

There Was a Young Lady From Lidd
Written by Lynne Webley

There was a Young Vicar From Stoke
Written by John Hill

Ivan Finn Esser
Written by Arthur Ash

Of Cavendish And Kings
Written by: Barry Breakey
From: Table Talk, the Official Publication of the Michigan Bridge Association
(May 1965 and January 1999)

The Grape
Written by Karen Walker
Partner in Poem ( The Grape ): Alan Applebaum
Source: Bridge Today
May, 1990
Archived and preserved only on this site.
Also: http://www.prairienet.org/bridge/c_grape.htm
Website of Karen Walker

Concentration
Or: How I Died Through My First Duplicate
Archived and preserved only on this site.
Source: http://www.prairienet.org/bridge/c_grape.htm
Website of Karen Walker

Moore Verse
Source: Bridge Bulletin
December 2002, Page 66
Submitted by: Sharron Voorhees

The Night They Burned Shanghai
Written by Robert D. Abrahams

Why Can't A Woman Play Bridge Like A Man
Source: Unknown
Compare Henry Higgens and Eliza Doolittle in My Fair Lady - .pdf file

The Rape of the Lock - Der Lockenraub
Source: Alexander Pope
Written: Two Cantos in 1712 and Five Cantos in 1714
Only Canto III is presented detailing the card game of Ombre

Higgledy Piggledy
Source: Bulletin Nr 4, 1st World University Bridge Championship
Written by: David Burn

A Girl From Near Parsons Green
Written by: John Kingsley

Double Trouble
Written by Peter Rowlett

If ....
Written by Peter Rowlett

The Gopher
Written by Peter Rowlett

Slow Play
Written by Peter Rowlett

Nancy Noonan Achieves Life Master
Written by Linda Maccleave
Source: Richmond Bridge Association, Volume 3, Issue 2, 2006

Mr. Bridge 2005
Written by Phyllis Levine
Source: Capital District Bridge Association, August 2006

Getting Old
Written by: unknown
Source: Poetry Blog

A Happy Volunteer
Written by: Irving Goldstein
Source: Building the Baycrest Bridge Club

Only A Boche
Written by: Robert Service
Source: Poem 29

The Bridge Ballad of Sandy and Don
Written by: Sandy Golden
Source: able2know

Each Wrinkled Brow
Written by: Tomkitten = Forum Handle
Source: able2know

I'm Giving Up Bridge
Written by: Anon
Source: Anon

The Party Next Door
Written by: Ogden Nash
Source: Comic Poems - ISBN: 0375413545

This Night I Slept Well
Written by: Giles Woodruff, United Kingdom

'Twas The Night Before Christmas
Written by: Anonymous
Additional Verses contributed by: Anne Jones of Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom and Tim West-Meads of London, England, United Kingdom.
Source: David Stevenson

'Twas The Night Before Christmas
Epilogue penned by: Tim DeLaney
Source: GamesForum

'Twas The Night Before Christmas
Submitted by Sharron Voohees, San Diego, California
Source: The Bridge Bulletin, December 2002, Page 66
Heading: Moore Verse in connection with Mr. Clement C. Moore, the author of A Visit From St. Nicolas.

Sitting North Was A Little Old Lady
Written by: Stu Goodgold, San Jose, California

Slim Slam, Thank You Ma'am
Written by: Anonymous

Lucky Thirteen
Written by: Anonymous

As The Bridge Team Goes Ruffing Along
Written by: Anonymous
Source: Mad Magazine, 1950s, sung to the tune of the Marine's Anthem
Other verses are unknown.

A Bridge Poem
Written by: Joe Ancrile
Source: Bridge Bugle - Florida Unit 128

Ascent
Written by Tim Heffernan
Published: Northwoodsman, August 1999

Time and Time Again
Written by: Unknown
Source: Barbados Bridge League
Deal: Source of comedic structure and comical auction is unknown.

Palm Springs Regional
Written by: Marilyn Hemenway
Reason for Inspiration: Palm Springs Regional in Palm Springs, California, December 11-17, 2006
held at Westin Mission Hills Resort & Spa in Rancho Mirage, California

Anticipation
Written by and contributed by: Marilyn Hemenway

The Enigmatic Queen
Written by and contributed by: Sridharan Kidambi
Composed: May 21, 2005
Prologue included.

The Mood of the Bridger
Written by and contributed by: Sridharan Kidambi
Composed: 1895
Prologue included.

I Declare
Written by: Mr. Dick Rooney
Source: The Declarer, an Internet bridge Magazine
Sun City Lincoln Hills Duplicate Bridge Club
Date of Issue: April 2006

When You Play Against
Written by: Mr. Dick Rooney
Source: The Declarer, an Internet bridge Magazine
Sun City Lincoln Hills Duplicate Bridge Club
Date of Issue: April 2006

A Huge Hand
Written by: Mr. Dick Rooney
Source: The Declarer, an Internet bridge Magazine
Sun City Lincoln Hills Duplicate Bridge Club
Date of Issue: April 2006

Excitedly Took A Trick
Written by: Mr. Dick Rooney
Source: The Declarer, an Internet bridge Magazine
Sun City Lincoln Hills Duplicate Bridge Club
Date of Issue: April 2006

Mind Wanderings
Compiled by: Mr. Dick Rooney
Source: The Declarer, an Internet bridge Magazine
Sun City Lincoln Hills Duplicate Bridge Club
Date of Issue: April 2006

Frontispiece - An illustration that faces or immediately precedes the title page of a book, book section, or magazine.
RUFF and HONOURS
From the Compleat Gamester 1680
Author: Cavendish, aka Mr. Henry Jones
Source: Cavendish On Whist, 15th Edition
The Laws And Principle Of Whist, Published 1885

Les hommes malades du Bridge
de M. Zamacois, d'apres J. De la Fontaine
paru en 1911 dans Le Bridge et les Bridgeurs de V. du Bled
Source: Les hommes malades du Bridge
Note: Some characters may not appear correctly in English

Ye Royall Recepcioun
Author: From Chaucer Redivivus
Source: The Whist Reference Book Wherein Information is Presented Concerning the Noble Game, in all its Aspects, after the manner of a Cyclopedia, Dictionary, and Digest all combined in one, 1899, Publisher: The J.C. Yorston Publishing Company, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, LC: 99001799
Date of Issue: 1899
Note: Reproduced from the original picture by Max field Parrish,
designed expressly for this work. (Note: the print was 'Printed in Colors'.)

The Village Life
Author: George Crabbe (1754 - 1832)
Source: The Village: Book I - Letter 10
From: The Borough, A Poem in Twenty-four Letters
Published by: J. Hatchard, London, England
Date of Issue: 1812 - Reference in Italics

Don Juan
Author: Lord Byron
Canto the Third - XC
Date of Issue: 1818-1819
Summary: Don Juan is portrayed as an innocent young boy, with whom women fall for romantically and attempt to seduce. The poem itself is overly full of topical digressions and subject-departures on politics, poets, and other societal nobles and names popular in politics and other circles, which add to the humor, particularly inasmuch as the poet, in his own inimitable manner, often attempts, some write without success, to bring himself back to the stated subject at hand.

The Game Of Whist
Author: unknown
Source: Article on Whist As A Business from the
London Society Journal and The Quarterly Review of 1880

The Life Of An Old Woman
Author: Written by Herself - Anonymous
Source: The Sporting Magazine of Monthly Calendar
of the Transactions of The Turf, The Chase, And every other Diversion
Interesting to the Man of Pleasure Enterprize & Spirit
Volume 41, Page 242
Date of Issue: October 1812
Note: the reference to the French is to Napoleon Bonaparte

Bridge In A Nutshell
Author: unknown
Source: Ginny and Jeff Schuett

We're The Bankers
Author: unknown
Source: Bankers Bridge Club

The Sword And The Rose
Author: Robert Graves - (1895 - 1985 / England)
Used by Alan Truscott as introduction in his book The Great Bridge Scandal

Bridge Maxims
Source: Daily Bulletin, Volume 71, Number 2
71st Fall North American Bridge Championships
November 23 - 30, 1997

Kaplan - Master Of The Microphone
Source: 69th Summer NABC - Number 6
Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
Compiled by: Unknown

For Percy - In Appreciation
Author: Edgar Kaplan
Source: Summer NABC 1997 - Bulletin 9

At The Bridge Table
Author: Dickie Aschermann
Source: The Bridge Bulletin, August 2002, Page 28

Things Are Getting Verse
Author: Dickie Aschermann
Source: The Bridge Bulletin, April 2002, Page 66

Go, Dickie
Author: Don Hinchey
Source: The Bridge Bulletin, August 2002, Page 13
Reason: Poetic Letter to the Editor of The Bridge Bulletin

Grand Slam
Author: Jean Hall
Source: The Bridge Bulletin, August 2002, Page 28

Better Than All The Rest .....
Author: unknown
Source: Pattaya Bridge Club

The Ultimate Quest
Author: unknown
Source: Pattaya Bridge Club

Remarkable Book
Author: unknown
Source: Pattaya Bridge Club

Table Manners
Author: unknown
Source: Pattaya Bridge Club

Pattaya Attire
Author: unknown
Source: Pattaya Bridge Club

All Wind
Author: unknown
Source: Pattaya Bridge Club

No Luck For Chuck
Author: unknown
Source: Pattaya Bridge Club

Mistaken Intent
Author: unknown
Source: Pattaya Bridge Club

Ode To John
Author: unknown
Source: Pattaya Bridge Club

John's Final Reverse
Author: unknown
Source: Pattaya Bridge Club

Brighter After Lightner
Author: unknown
Source: Pattaya Bridge Club

Next Rubber
Author: unknown
Source: Pattaya Bridge Club

Likes And Dislikes
Author: Harry Seymour
Source: The Bridge Player's Bedside Companion
Author: Mr. Albert A. Ostrow

Murders
Author: Edwin Victor Westrate
Source: The Bridge Player's Bedside Companion
Author: Mr. Albert A. Ostrow

If
Author: William Talley Elliot
Source: The Bridge Player's Bedside Companion
Author: Mr. Albert A. Ostrow

Inventory
Author: Jeanne S. Marks
Source: The Bridge Player's Bedside Companion
Author: Mr. Albert A. Ostrow

Soliloquy
Author: Maurie C. Bryan
Source: The Bridge Player's Bedside Companion
Author: Mr. Albert A. Ostrow

The Expert And The Psychic Spade
Author: C.L.W. - actual name unknown
Source: The Bridge Player's Bedside Companion
Author: Mr. Albert A. Ostrow

A Bridge Player's Lament
Author: Roberta Salob
Source: Bridge Holidays, LLC., Newsletter

Ballade Of Unwarrented Presumption
Author: David Burn
Occasion: Belgium versus England Bridge Match

Limerick Challenge 1 of 2008 in Pau, France
Author: unknown
Occasion: Monday, 16 June 2008, Issue No. 2 of the Bulletin for the
49th European Bridge Team Championships in the city of Pau, France
from the 14th to the 28th of June, 2008

Limerick Challenge 2 of 2008 in Pau, France
Author: unknown
Occasion: Saturday, 21 June 2008, Issue No. 7 of the Bulletin for the
49th European Bridge Team Championships in the city of Pau, France
from the 14th to the 28th of June, 2008

Limerick Challenge 3 of 2008 in Pau, France
Author: unknown
Occasion: Saturday, 21 June 2008, Issue No. 7 of the Bulletin for the
49th European Bridge Team Championships in the city of Pau, France
from the 14th to the 28th of June, 2008

Whist - A Poem in Twelve Cantos
Author: Alexander Thomson
Source: Publication of Whist, a Poem in Twelve Cantos, Second Edition, published 1792.

The Grand Slam
Author: unknown
Source: Internet

Stop the Clocks
Author: Wystan Hugh Auden

The Bridge Player's Prayer
Author: Unknown
Source: Internet

Bridgeaholic
Author: Lorna Gray

En Gardsgutt - A Farm Boy
Author: Unknown
Source is from the Norsk Bridgefestival in Lillehammer, 2005
Bulletin 4, mandag 1. august 2005, (Monday, August 1, 2005)

Ung Kvinne fra Vang
Author: Unknown
Source is from the Norsk Bridgefestival in Lillehammer, 2005
Bulletin 4, mandag 1. august 2005, (Monday, August 1, 2005)

Bulletin-Redaktor
Author: Unknown
Source is from the Norsk Bridgefestival in Lillehammer, 2005
Bulletin 5, tirsday 2. august 2005, (Tuesday, August 2, 2005)

Toastmaster
Author: Til Tommy fra GK
Source is from the Norsk Bridgefestival in Lillehammer, 2005
Bulletin 5, tirsday 2. august 2005, (Tuesday, August 2, 2005)

En bridgespillende fra Son
Author: fra jbgood
Source is from the Norsk Bridgefestival in Lillehammer, 2005
Bulletin 5, tirsday 2. august 2005, (Tuesday, August 2, 2005)

En mesterlig spiller fra Moss
Author: fra anonym ex-president
Source is from the Norsk Bridgefestival in Lillehammer, 2005
Bulletin 5, tirsday 2. august 2005, (Tuesday, August 2, 2005)

 

The following poems are the work of Ingeborg Zoch,
who wrote many bridge poems in the German language.
These poems are in original form and are not translated.

In allen Lebenslagen
Author: Inge Zoch
Source: Crossruffs Bridgeseite, Germany

Der Kartenteufel
Author: Inge Zoch
Source: Crossruffs Bridgeseite, Germany

Der Ehemann
Author: Inge Zoch
Source: Crossruffs Bridgeseite, Germany

Jubilaeumsgedanken
Author: Inge Zoch
Source: Crossruffs Bridgeseite, Germany

Das Muss Mal Gesagt Werden
Author: Inge Zoch
Source: Crossruffs Bridgeseite, Germany

Bridge - Alphabet
Author: Inge Zoch
Source: Crossruffs Bridgeseite, Germany

Die 12 Goldenen Bridgeregeln
Author: Inge Zoch
Source: Crossruffs Bridgeseite, Germany

Bridge Drama
Author: Inge Zoch
Source: Crossruffs Bridgeseite, Germany

Die guten Menschen des BCB
Author: Inge Zoch
Source: Crossruffs Bridgeseite, Germany

Ein Bridge-Clubhaus Einrichten
Author: Inge Zoch
Source: Crossruffs Bridgeseite, Germany

Partnerschaften
Author: Inge Zoch
Source: Crossruffs Bridgeseite, Germany

Ein Neuer Partner. Neues Glück
Author: Inge Zoch
Source: Crossruffs Bridgeseite, Germany

 

The following poems have been contributed by Mr. Ruston Calisch (aka Rus Calisch).
Their authorship has not been determined, but the Bridge Guys appreciate greatly these
contributions of limericks for the pleasure and enjoyment they offer to other bridge players.

Your Skills At The Bridge Table
Contributor: Rus Calisch

The Games Are The Same
Contributor: Rus Calisch

Serious Bridge
Contributor: Rus Calisch

Aces Are High
Contributor: Rus Calisch

Biannual Dinners
Contributor: Rus Calisch

Bezique Clique
Contributor: Rus Calisch

A Woman Once Said - ** For mature visitors only.
Contributor: Rus Calisch

Three No Trumps
Contributor: Rus Calisch

Playing Bridge Is A Strain
Contributor: Rus Calisch

Adult Day Care
Contributor: Rus Calisch

Partnered With Midge
Contributor: Rus Calisch

This Game's A Concoction
Contributor: Rus Calisch

How To Win At Bridge
Contributor: Rus Calisch

Tribute To A Lone Star Legend
Author: Judy Kay-Wolff
Source: Planet Blog

Happy Birthday To WhatsHisName
Author: Judy Kay-Wolff
Source: bridgeblogging.com

Straight From The Horse's Mouth
Author: Judy Kay-Wolff
Source: bridgeblogging.com

The Grand Dame of Bridge
Author: Judy Kay-Wolff
Source: bridgeblogging.com

Bridge
Author: Gertrude Lewis Conway ..... aka Gertie

aka: Mrs. Gertrude Conway Vanderbilt,
wife to Mr. Harold Stirling Vanderbilt, the Father of Contract Bridge
Born May 14, 1901 and died August 6, 1978

Humours of Whist Poem
Author: Unknown
Source: Publication Humours of Whist
Author: Edmond Hoyle - (1672 - 1769)

The Progress of Civil Society
Author: Mr. Knight
Source: Cornhill Magazine
New Series, Volume V
July to December 1898
Printed by: Smith, Elder, & Co.
15 Waterloo Place, London, England

60th Bridge Song
Contribuyed by: Mar. Charles Gill, the Birthday Bridge Player
Member of: The St. Petersburg Bridge Club in Florida
Written and composed by: Mr. Alfred Paul-Elias

Gramps and Midge
Contribuyed by: Mar. Charles Gill, the Birthday Bridge Player
Member of: The St. Petersburg Bridge Club in Florida

To Bid or Not To Bid
Source: Bridge For Fun

SystemOchKonventioner-visan
Av: Max Ödlund
Source: Internet