The leading line for the past month was "Now that earrings on guys is a trend..."

Readers had a lot of fun with this theme, none more so than Joe Rowland, our new Limerick Laureate. His verse:

Now that earrings on guys is a trend

Seems the rules of the game you can bend.

Young girls join the fun

By having work done,

The silicone parts are pretend.

Single and 27 years of age, Joe Rowland was born in Indiana, although he spent much of his youth in Winston-Salem and, later, Southern Pines. He currently lives in Charlotte.

Rowland is employed in the hospitality and restaurant management business. His avocation is music. He studied classical music at Sandhills Community College and plays guitar and, piano, and he sings and writes music.

The above was Rowland's first limerick. He said his effort was aided by his experience as a lyricist. An occasional golfer, Joe's special interests include nature and outdoor activities.

Ted Atwood of Seven Lakes might be a "Pirates of the Caribbean" fan.

Now that earrings on guys is a trend

It's a fad that I can't recommend

Unless you're a pirate

Where traditions require it

As you're plank-walked off the deep end.

Regardless, Atwood knows his thespians.

Now that earrings on guys is a trend

I find it great fun to pretend --

Behold Clark Gable's ears

Sporting gems from De Beers

An image I'll relish no end.

Pinehurst's Betty Jane Dunn sniffs indignantly over such foppery.

Now that earrings on guys is a trend

With what else will we have to contend?

Their hair's growing longer

Cologne's smelling stronger

One wonders just how it will end.

Linda Rinaldi of Seven Lakes has a few garments the guys can borrow.

Now that earrings on guys is a trend

And the stigma attached at an end,

Let's also embrace

Our men wearing lace

And the clothing their women can lend.

Carthage's Ken Layton passes on sage paternal advice.

Now that earrings on guys is a trend,

Son, don't ask me for money to spend.

If you want a pair

That matches your hair,

Mom has got some clip-ons she might lend.

Bill Stevens of Daniel Island, S.C., suggests how to make a virile fashion statement.

Now that earrings on guys is a trend,

We need studs brawny boys can append.

A lug nut or O-ring,

Shouts machismo bling.

Accessories: he-man's best friend.

In Pinehurst, Regina Armswood wonders if guys are putting on more than just earrings.

Now that earrings on guys are a trend,

A fad that I don't comprehend,

What on gals is just jewelry

On guys seems tomfoolery --

Or is that what these pierced ones intend?

Teenager Tiffany Wenerd of Seven Lakes thinks the fad is far from peachy.

Now that earrings on guys is a trend

All women now have to pretend

That their man looks cute

Though he looks like a fruit.

I hope this trend comes to an end!

Whispering Pines' Robert Kroll suggests guys may have to fight for this right.

Now that earrings on guys is a trend

A bit of advice I shall lend.

Let it be clear

That badge on your ear

May well prove it's a cause to defend.

Don Auch applauds individuality above all.

Now that earrings on guys is a trend

Men with ornamentation won't end.

Baubles soon will be worn

Higher heels they'll adorn,

But it's personal rights I defend.

Our current contest ends April 30. The leading line: "I was scheduled to sky dive at noon..." Did the dangerous deed go off as planned? Results will be published May 25.

Here's the leading line for our new contest: The epitaph read, "Resting here..." Can you write a witty story in just four more lines? The deadline is May 31; results will be published on June 29.

E-mail your verses to joelimericks@embarqmail.com. Or mail them to Limericks, The Pilot, PO Box 58, Southern Pines, NC 28388. By submitting limericks, you agree to have them edited and published at any time without compensation.

Joe Piper, a resident of Seven Lakes, may be reached at joelimericks@embarqmail.com.