1708. The Oxford Comma © Bruce Goodman 19 January 2020

Even though Aneliese was American and Quentin was British they managed to forge a relationship that spanned across the great Atlantic Ocean, and they married. The marriage was made in heaven, although heaven had omitted one important factor: Analiese used the Oxford Comma and Quentin didn’t. For those who don’t give much of a hoot about what the Oxford Comma is, it is the comma that precedes the final “and” in a list. For example: The flag is red, white, and blue. That’s what Aneliese would write. Quentin would write: The flag is red, white and blue (without the second comma). For each academic tome that Aneliese produced to prove her point, Quentin would provide another. The discussion thundered throughout their marriage, throughout the births of their six children, throughout retirement and venerable age. Eventually they both died. Their grown children planned the tombstone inscription: Aneliese and Quentin, loved parents of Tom, Maggie, Jenny, Ernie, Zach, and Lucy. Aneliese and Quentin, loved parents of Tom, Maggie, Jenny, Ernie, Zach and Lucy. Aneliese and Quentin, loved parents of Tom, Maggie, Jenny, Ernie, Zach, and Lucy. Aneliese and Quentin, loved parents of Tom, Maggie, Jenny, Ernie, Zach and Lucy. Aneliese and Quentin, loved parents of Tom, Maggie, Jenny, Ernie, Zach, and Lucy. The tombstone awaits. Discussion rages. Contact Author Back to Still More Stories Index Next Story Previous Story