The winning entry from the Washington Post Style Invitational contest
that asked readers to submit "instructions" written in the style of a
famous person - like W. Shakespeare, whose birth and death we celebrate this week:



Ye Olde Hokey Pokey
by Jeff Brechlin


O proud left foot, that ventures quick within
Then soon upon a backward journey lithe.
Anon, once more the gesture, then begin:
Command sinistral pedestal to writhe.
Commence thou then the fervid Hokey-Poke,
A mad gyration, hips in wanton swirl.
To spin! A wilde release from Heavens yoke.
Blessed dervish! Surely canst go, girl.
The Hoke, the poke -- banish now thy doubt
Verily, I say, 'tis what it's all about.



formerly known as etaoin...