A position frequently espoused by journalists and orators maintains that because English is a dynamic and living language, strict adherence to rules governing expression of the language stifles creativity, conveyance of meaning and subtle inference. However, formal writing, while occupying an ever diminishing niche, is entrenched as the premier showcase of correct grammatical standards. Authors and speakers have an obligation to thoroughly comprehend those standards before deciding when and for what effect rules might be altered. To relieve linguistic chaos aggravated by indolent and vernacular usage, the Grammar Police stand sentinel, ever prepared to admonish and instruct when violations occur.
However...
* When the English language isn't poorly spoken;
.....................................................Poorly spoken.
.....................................................And the written word is properly conveyed;
.....................................................'Ly conveyed.
.....................................................When rules of punctuation aren't broken;
.....................................................Aren't broken.
.....................................................All the Grammar Police angst will be allayed.
.....................................................Be allayed.
.................................................................................................................................................................
.....................................................So instead of wagging fingers at weak spelling;
.....................................................At weak spelling.
.....................................................At our quirky language they could take a peek.
.....................................................Take a peek.
.....................................................To construct a little puzzle so compelling;
.....................................................So compelling.
.....................................................That it helps you find the cache for which you seek.
.....................................................Which you seek.
* To the tune of "When A Felon's Not Engaged In His Employment" from Gilbert and Sullivan's Pirates of Penzance
THE PUZZLE
................................................................................................................................................................................................
PEOPLE; CIRCUIT; LISTEN; DEBRIS; BALLET; BREAD; HYMN; WEDNESDAY; BUSINESS; COLUMN; GNOME; MAIZE; AUTUMN; MNEMONIC; CRAYFISH; LEOPARD; ANSWER; SOLEMN; HALFPENNY; YIELD; HOPE; SALMON; HANDSOME; HEIRLOOM; TIME; ALGAE; VELDT; GATE; INSTEAD; CORPS; WHISTLE; GOURMET; COUNTRY; DOUBT; WORCESTER; THIEF; DESIGN; HONOR; PARFAIT; COMBINE; CONDEMN; PNEUMONIA; FEBRUARY; TORTOISE; APROPOS; CUPBOARD; YEOMAN; MUSCLE; RAPPORT; RENDEZVOUS
Note: Once you have figured out what to do, you will still need to make some choices here and there, but wrong ones should not greatly impede your progress.
B.T.W. -- The hint is also from Pirates of Penzance.