Humanity makes more pollution
Than is cleared up by simple dilution.
Result: there's a plethora.
Shortness of breath (or a
Wheeze) feels like apt retribution.

Based on the suggestion: “plethora”

plethora n. an overabundance; an excess.

The present-day coastline of Spain
Was once kissy-kissy with Maine.
A toast of sangria
To ancient Pangaea:
“Until we're together again!”

Based on the suggestion: “Pangaea”

Pangaea is the name for a “supercontinent” of all the currently separated landmasses that were squished together 300 million years ago.

She performed the minutest inspection
Of her face's exquisite complexion
In the mirror's reflection,
And, finding perfection,
She beheld it with utmost affection.

Based on the suggestion: “reflection”

Poor Noah, alas, hadn't reckoned
On rabbits to be quite so fecund.
If he'd known the first hare
Had such powers to bear
He'd have never invited the second.

Based on the suggestion: “fecund”

I was picking some succulent blackberries,
Looking forward to lip-smacking snackberries.
But the juice was so tart
It arrested my heart.
I'm the victim of vicious attackberries!

Based on the suggestion: “blackberries”

There once was a fellow named John
Who was gifted with brains (but not brawn).
When asked if he'd battle
A snake with a rattle...
...well, we'll leave that conclusion foregone.

Based on the suggestion: “John”

The grammar term “zeugma” means “yoke.”
It is used when your verb can evoke
Both a meaning that's plain
And a sense more arcane,
Like: “The count put on airs and his cloak.”

Based on the suggestion: “zeugma”

“Mind your frisbee, kid!” snarled the curmudgeon,
His ears flushing red with high dudgeon.
“If it lands in my yard
“Then I'll hoist your petard!
“And don't snivel and whine, I'm not budgin'!”

Based on the suggestion: “curmudgeon”

Fun fact: While looking up rhymes for “curmudgeon” I stumbled across two delightfully named bits of hardware: the “gudgeon” and the “pintle.” It seems they are most commonly used on boat rudders and on window shutters, enabling the various parts to swivel freely.

(Picture from Wikipedia's "gudgeon" page)

No new limerick this week, but a special bonus instead!  

Illustrated versions of previous limericks by artist Eliza Callard.