Every college in America has its traditions. And many of them make very little sense at all. Like my alma mater being the Cyclones and having a Cardinal as its mascot. Or KSU being the Wildcats and yet the band plays "The Wabash Cannonball," which is about a train. Now, yes, there are explanations for these. On the surface, however, these traditions are easy to pick fun at, especially when people take them too seriously, as too many people do.
So, in that spirit, (and after growing up in Lawrence and having to listen to the "Rock Chalk" chant innumerable times), I simply can't resist taking a jab at this chant that has always to me seemed as bizarre as Wabash at KSU.
(Paraphrasing from The Voyage of the Dawn Treader by CS Lewis)
"I'm thinking of a limmerick," said Eustace, "that goes something like this:
"Rock Chalk Jayhawk KU."
"Well chalk and Jayhawk don't rhyme, to begin with," said Lucy.
"It's an assonance," said Eustace.
"Don't ask him what an assy-thingummy is," said Edmund. "He's only longing to be asked. Say nothing and perhaps he'll go away."
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