A pick is a tool for breaking up ground,
or a tooth-cleaning stick made of wood.
A pick is a choice that we make when we choose,
and hope our selection is good.
A pick is a way for a light-fingered thief
to steal contents out of a pocket.
A pick is an object to open a lock,
if you don't have the key to unlock it.
A pick is a soft way to harvest the flowers,
or something you do to your nose,
( and unless you're discreet, with a hanky at hand,
we don't really want one of those!)
A pick-me-up helps me feel things will pick up,
To pick is to lift up by hand.
And pick up means either to gather more pace,
or a Ute, or perhaps one-night stand.
But alas, some poor folk have been using the word,
in a way which suggests they don't know it.
I don't wish to pick on them; that's not my style;
I'm just a poor pedant and poet.
What's frustrating to me is the widespread mistake,
and the fact most folks don't seem to care.
But that simple word "pick" is the source of my pain,
so let's pick up my arguement there ...
A plectrum is used for playing on strings;
This proper word won't make me sick.
So pick your words carefully, precisely, I pray;
And please don't call it a pick.
Practise precision when playing guitar.
Or Banjo. Sitar! Ukelele!!
And please be more picky when practising playing,
and practise the proper word daily.
I mentioned before, folk who make me feel glum;
the problem's a pain in the rectum.
What they pick up to play when they feel like a strum
is no pick, but who stops to correct'em?
But then there are those folk who make me feel beaut;
at the opposite end of the spectrum.
If they play mandolin, or they're plucking a lute,
they proudly will play with a plectrum!
The irony is that a plectrum is used
to strum, pick, or play a lead lick.
But for picking please pick up a plectrum to play;
And please, don't call a plectrum a pick!
(c) MrsMyth (TJ McGowan)
