A SKULK OF FOXES AND A HUSK OF HARES
Responding to collective nouns
Gracia & Louise and Elaine Haby

collective noun n in grammar, a noun that denotes a number of individuals considered as one group.

A quiver of arrows, a parcel of penguins, a trace of rabbits, a peal of bells, a vagary of impediments, a constellation of satellites, and a leash of greyhounds; there are more collective nouns than not to make the corners of the mouth curve upward.

A watch of nightingales, a sleuth of bears, and a charm of finches, they call up such imagery. A raft of sea otters, can you see them? Squint a little if it helps. There on the horizon, see them now? They’re wearing neck scarves constructed from thin slithers of kelp. And they’re making their way across the water with all the ease and grace of Venetian gondola driver.

A mischief of mice, a cache of jewels, they sound so apt, so visual, and so enchanting. Responses, be they visual or otherwise, to particular collective nouns are posted (and infrequently so). From time to time an invited guest makes appearance, responding to the collective noun in any way they choose.

A skulk of foxes and a husk of hares


Gracia Haby
Looking but I can't for the life of me find my clutch of eggs (III).
2008
collage