THE PERENNIAL “ALSO RAN”

The honored word for this month comes to English from Greek, as do many English words. And it, like another Greek origin word—politics—immediately separates people into three pools of opinion: For, Against and those who wobble about in vagueness as Undecided.

In a popularity contest, this word would barely qualify for the ballot, and like many fringe politicians will never win but will always wear the label of “also ran” regardless of the merit.

The featured word also shares a lot in common with a Latin-based word, vegetables. A mention of any of the three (politics, vegetable or the starring word), will cause many in the audience to cringe, groan, head for the nearest exit, make a joke or deriding comment.

A few, however, will welcome the word. These few likely found the word on their own when they had need of it, even if their encounters in school soured their initial view. Makes me wonder if this word can be classified as that “acquired taste” people so often encourage in us to broaden our options.

Enough mystery. The minute I reveal the word, you will immediately know your political view. This month is National Poetry Month. Oh, I heard you groaning out there. But some of you are smiling, I hope. If you have been following this site, you are sure to be a campaigner for poetry, if only in secret. That’s an idea to pursue, perhaps—the closet poet. I will leave you with that thought.

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