<div>I think the prefix "a-" should only be placed before words where another syllable is required to make the rythm correct.  So: <BR>"16 pins a-pomelled" is good. but "20 beckets a-buckling" adds an extra syllable. "20 beckets buckling" sounds good. </div> <div> </div> <div> </div> <div> With twenty two hammers a-hobbling<BR>   Twenty one crusty keypins<BR>   Twenty beckets a-buckling<BR>   Nineteen shanks a-squiggling<BR>   Eighteen keys a-knocking<BR>   Seventeen barren backchecks<BR>   Sixteen pins a-pommelled<BR>   Fifteen butts a-bounding<BR>   Fourteen wobbly whippens<BR>   Thirteen coins a-clinking,<BR>   Twelve tubby bass strings,<BR>   Eleven  jacks a-jumping,<BR>   Ten grungy grommets,<BR>   Nine brittle bridles,<BR>   Eight damaged dampers,<BR>   Seven fractured flanges,<BR>   Six errant elbows,<BR>   Five broken strings !<BR>   Four coats of paint,<BR>   Three warped posts,<BR>   Two pedals bent,<BR>   From a Parson who wants it fixed free !<BR></div><BR><BR>Noah Haverkamp<br>Know-a Piano<br>http://www.knowapiano.com<br>347-308-0094<br>Fax: 718-701-2071