The English language is tricky to learn

And the sound of some letters are cause for concern.

Like, how is it how has an ‘Ow’ as in owl

When the ‘Ow’ that’s in low sounds like ‘Oh’ that’s in sew?

And why does the ‘Ew’ that’s in sew sound like ‘Oh’

When the ‘Ew’ that’s in stew sound like ‘Oo’ that’s in boo?

And if you want more, well what about war

Which is ‘Aw’ but not ‘Ar’ as in car, far or jar.

What about bear, which can be rhymed with hair

But hear rhymes with beer, and pear rhymes with mare.

And don’t get me started on bough, through and rough!

How does the ‘ough’ rhyme with cow, roo and fluff?

What about beard, which is bear with a ‘D’

But heard sounds like ‘bird’ – how can that be?

So if you’re confused, there’s really no shame

When letters and sounds simply don’t stay the same.