A Pantoum on Queneau's "Exercises in Style" (from "Exercise in Style: The Poetic Supplement," Number 265)

'Tis mid-day rush. I board an S-line bus.
I'm standing on the platform at the back.
A long-neck'd cove of 26 complains:
"Commuters! Must you deal my shins a thwack...?"

I'm standing on the platform at the back.

Monsieur Le Plaindre sports a silly hat.

"Commuters! Must you deal my shins a thwack...?"

Some string sits where his hat band should be at.

Monsieur Le Plaindre sports a silly hat.

His neck's too long; his tone's a sniv'lling drone.

Some string sits where his hat band should be at.

I spot him later; he is not alone.

His neck's too long; his tone's a sniv'lling drone.

A vacant seat...? He makes himself at home.

I spot him later; he is not alone.

He's in discussion, near the Cour de Rome.

A vacant seat...? He makes himself at home.

Then he's away. 'Cross town he must have raced.

He's in discussion near the Cour de Rome:

"That button on your coat's so poorly placed."