Strange Designations

 

 

There are three designations

In a particular discipline

I want to call to your attention

With an intriguing spin.

 

We’ve all attended school

And we have learnt a lot

But the more we learn of a matter

It always seems a mere drop.

 

That particular discipline

Is none other than Mathematics,

A subject I am thrilled about

Due to its number tricks.

 

The focus, however, today,

Is nothing about numbers

But rather, three strange designations

I wish for you to consider.

 

Please focus with me now

On the topic of fractions

And remember the title of this poem

Is: Strange Designations.

 

No doubt you are thinking

What could he possibly mean

But bear in mind my inquisitive friend,

This you’ve often seen.

 

I have long discovered

In my exploration of fractions

It is never considered improper

To deal in the vulgar and common.

 

 

Yet in our everyday living

This is an absolute “no-no”

And if a pupil should be so daring,

He’d be sure to know.

 

No offense is being proffered

And none is taken, I trust,

But I consider raising this matter

An absolute must.

 

The parts of a fraction

Are its numerator and denominator:

If the numerator is bigger

That fraction is improper.

 

As is designated in life

Similarly, it is with factions,

Top heaviness is deemed improper

But is also considered common.

 

Two designations so far

And now for the third and last,

While the first two may be excused

The third is of a poor class.

 

 

 

Common may be positive

But never so with vulgar,

In whatever shape, form or fashion

Vulgar is improper.

 

I can understand common

And I can understand improper

But however hard I try,

I can’t understand vulgar.

 

Why call a fraction vulgar?

Isn’t common, common enough?

Tell me, what is its origin?

This one is really tough.

 

You are absolutely right!

I have nothing better to do,

That’s why I write and write and write,

If you were like me, Won’t you?

 

Stewart Russell © June 3, 2024