So, the prompt was to write a parody of a well-known poem with a recognizable and distinctive rhythm.  So here is my attempt, based on a poem I had to memorize as a child. It may, however, be more familiar to Canadians…

NSF is a Bummer

Atop the pile of growing bills
The budget payments plan
And all the day collection calls
Are more than he can stand.

Now by chequebook his ways and means
And bank accounts are bled
And as he smacks the pile of bills
Journal’s black turns red

And as he makes his must have list
to feed each hungry mouth
despite his efforts made to pay
Bum cheques are bouncing south.

Carol A. Stephen
April 15, 2012