An ode to swearing for National Poetry Day
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Oh bum! We missed National Poetry Day 2026.
You know that we love words and poetry, but we were too busy getting new stuff and things made in time for Christmas. More on that soon.
Working on the principle that it's better late than never, here's our small, but perfectly formed, ode to swearing in our belated celebration of National Poetry Day.
In Praise of Swearing
Some feelings are too big for "gosh",
too sharp for "drat" or "blast".
A stubbed toe needs a healing word,
and it needs it bloody fast.
A swear is a tiny act of love,
a pressure valve, a cheer.
It says "I love you, you daft sod!"
and "bollocks to this year!"
So raise a toast this Poetry Day
to language with some bite,
for nothing says "you're damn fine" quite
like swearing done just right.
And show the ones you love the most,
how much they mean to thee.
By sharing heartfelt sweary words,
Crisps, cards, hugs and tea.
Emma and Michelle - Damn Fine Greetings 2026
What is National Poetry Day?
National Poetry Day was founded by the Forward Arts Foundation - a national charity committed to widening poetry’s audience through grassroots campaigns.
Love poetry too?
We encourage you to find out more about them and to support their great work.
More from the Damn Fine Greetings team about words and linguistics
The psychology of swearing as an act of love - is swearing a sign that you actually care about people?
Bellend - a history. The youngest swear word in the family?
Arse - a history. Is it the oldest swear word still standing?
Bollocks - a history. Is it the hardest working swear word in use today?
Why do British people swear so much more than Canadians (and many other countries)?
What are the origins of swear words / curse words? And why are some words taboo?
The Damn Fine Greetings Swear Word Quiz
Lost for words - what to write in a greetings card when you don't know what to say