Wordsworth

Gabe Atkinson

The challenge this week: come up with amusing fortune cookie messages.

Bridget Forbes, Wellington: You will be crushed by a falling piano in the city of Lisbon. David Wort, Bay of Plenty: The longest journey begins with a single step. The shortest also. Oliver Redfern, Hamilton: This cookie is intended for rectal use only. Paul Kelly, Palmerston North: What were you expecting – the complete works of Proust? Nicola Mays, Whangārei : Several years from now, your left ring finger will be bitten off by a turtle. Tommy Wilson, Papamoa: When you enter those marble halls/Use the paper, not the walls. John Warner, New Plymouth: Those who actively seek messages in cookies need to rethink their priorities in life.

Kaye Bennetts, Whangaparāoa: Think positively. You CAN beat Rex McGregor. Rex McGregor, Auckland: You’ll go on a round-the-world cruise/And avoid the horrendous world news. But a pair of entries from Kamo’s Tony Clemow takes the prize: Louses never will infest/the house in which you will invest. Also: A swallow ushers in your summer./Wallow in it. Have a hummer. For the next contest, send us a limerick that includes one of the following words: cavorting, ramshackle, scabbard, clandestine, or debaucherous. Entries, for the prize below, close at 9am on Thursday, December 19. This is my last issue at the helm of Wordsworth. Thanks to all contributors for your outstanding support over the past four years – it’s been a privilege to read your work. Lauren Buckeridge is taking over editing duties.