title: While Homer Roared: Clean limericks, to warm the chuckles of your heart
author: Basil Wentworth
description: Basil's first love is for his family, with words and music tied for second place. He has a devouring interest in languages and in language -- the meanings and history of words, and the way they sound. He accepts the fact that puns are the lowest form of humor -- in fact, the foundation of humor. His life's work has been eclectic, including over 6 years in the U. S. Navy, 5 years as an engineer, and nearly 24 years as an officer in the United States diplomatic service. He and Jocelyn have completed the first 55 years of their honeymoon, and have two children and two grandchildren.
zlib_text: 
  
  
  
  
  
  ## CHAPTER ONE
  
  
  She smiled and he wanted the smile to be for him.
  
  
  In his mind he licked the blood red lips, tasting sugary alcopops and lip
  gloss.
  
  
  Then the others joined in, cackling and crowing. His face flushed with anger.
  
  
  ‘Hey – we’re here – come on!’
  
  
  The doors opened and the hen party spilled onto the underground platform,
  waving plastic pitchforks, spiked tails swaying, devil horns blinking red.
  Hanging back, he waited for the five bobbing heads to reach the escalator
  before he followed.
  
  
  Three clubs later she was drunk and needing the toilet. He was waiting on the
  other side of the saloon doors. She turned a glassy surprised eye on him.
  
  
  ‘What are you doing here?’
  
  
  He smiled and handed her a drink.
  
  
  ‘Taking a last look before you become a married woman.’
  
  
  She believed him. They chinked bottles.
  
  
  ‘To a long and happy marriage.’
  
  
  She met his smile. ‘To a long and happy marriage.’
  
  
  He watched her swallow three quarters of the bottle.
  
  
  ‘Wow,’ she said. ‘Now I 