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: 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  ## Lex was left nervously eyeing the baby on the floor. Freya sat on her
  bottom for a while, looking around with wide-eyed interest, then to his alarm
  she crawled under the table.
  
  
  
  
  
  Now what? He sat dead still, afraid to move his feet, but after a moment he
  bent his head very carefully to look under the table and see what she was
  doing.
  
  
  Freya’s expression was intent as she patted his left shoe, apparently pleased
  by its shininess. Then the small hands discovered the lace, and pulled at it
  experimentally. Delighted to find that it came apart if she tugged at it, she
  looked up to find Lex watching her under the table, and she offered him a
  gummy smile.
  
  
  The smile had an odd effect on Lex, and he jerked upright once more and
  snapped his computer open. Where was Romy? He was terrified to move his feet,
  but if he was stuck here, he could at least try to get some work done.
  
  
  “Where’s Freya?” Romy asked when she came back at last. For answer, Lex
  grimaced and po