Our subject for this month's limerick contest was March Madness. A repeat Limerick Laureate, Regina Armswood's winning entry featured the countdown to collegiate basketball glory.

March Madness at our house will mean

Not so much 'til they're down to 16.

I'll keep track of the score,

Elite 8, final 4.

The exciting last games must be seen.

Originally from northern New Jersey, Regina Armswood and her husband, Bob, have lived in Pinehurst since 2000. They were drawn to the Sandhills because there's little snow and comparatively low taxes.

During her career, Regina taught a wide variety of subjects to grades ranging from kindergarten to high school. She began writing limericks after moving here. Other interests include reading, singing in the choir and water aerobics.

Ted Atwood of Seven Lakes would rather gamble on basketball than watch it.

March Madness at our house will mean

Pick a number from one to sixteen

And root like a fool

In the basketball pool

For some team that we've never seen.

Conversely (pun intended), Raleigh's John McConnell wants to bet and watch.

March Madness at our house will mean

No dishes or clothes will be clean.

We'll be glued to our sets

With hundreds of bets

And the cuisine will surely be lean.

Mike Critzer of Pinewild is ready to pop the champagne.

March Madness at our house will mean

We'll see Tyler, and Roy, also Dean.

When they cut the nets down

We'll go out on the town

And, lordy, create quite a scene!

Kirk and Shari Hasenmueller lament the baring of the green.

March Madness at our house will mean

That the drought here has stolen our green.

You won't find dryer land

This side of Ireland

And Erin go Brown's just obscene!

Kendra McGirt of Pinehurst focuses on the big picture.

March Madness at our house will mean

Perhaps a brand new TV screen?

So that we can see

Our teams in HD

Like being a part of the scene!

Ken Layton of Carthage takes a dark view of his new telly.

March Madness at our house will mean

My new sixty-two-inch TV screen

Will go totally blank

And cost me the bank

To fix 'fore the last game is seen.

Sibling rivalry is an issue in Seven Lakes according to 10-year-old Michelle Wenerd.

March Madness at our house will mean

My big sister thinks she's a queen.

If she spills some water

I'll be the daughter

To get off my butt and go clean.

Jan Anderson of Southern Pines suggests even the Easter Bunny is part Irish.

March Madness at our house will mean

That every last lass is "Colleen,"

And though it sounds funny,

Our invisible bunny

Can be seen on March 17 green!

Pinehurst's Nancy Heilman is of two minds re the eventual winner.

March Madness at our house will mean

UNC or toward Duke we will lean.

We cheer for them both

And swear under oath

That the winner will be either team.

Harriette Corbin of Southern Pines provides fashion advice.

March Madness at our house will mean

Dressing up to see and be seen.

Easter's early this year

So get out your gear.

Wear silk to replace velveteen.

Judy Auch of Pinehurst advises turning off the tube and catching the glorious show outside.

March Madness at our house will mean

That outside there are buds to be seen.

It's a great time of year

More than roundball and beer

Staying in would seem almost obscene.

The leading line for our current contest, which ends tomorrow, is "Now that earrings on guys is a trend..." What dandy fad will men or women embrace next? Results will be published April 27.

This is the leading line for our new contest: "I was scheduled to sky dive at noon..." What happened during this daring feat? If it didn't take place, why not? April 30 is the deadline, with results appearing on May 25.

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.