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Self-criticism No literary stylist, he, at least in dashed-off letters. Suggest he studies carefully his forbears and his betters. *[this refers to some response to a letter to a computer magazine, I think, in which a subsequent correspondent wrote. "Turning now to the letter from Dai Lowe (no literary stylist, he) …"] Mrs Casanova's Lament I'm not sure if I miss him Now he's dead and gone His last words were, "I love you" But he added, "Pass it on." The Rime of the Ageing Gourmet It is an ancient gourmet and he goes among the Swiss "Show me, dear friends, what food you make I can't afford to miss?" They started him with muesli, then fondue and raclette They followed up with many cakes and lots of chocolate. He had to buy a longer belt, his trouser seams were torn: A sadder and a wider man, he rose the morrow morn. To Absent Minds Inspiration, so ‘tis said, Is often born in bath or bed And we may never find again The thought that finds us on a train And so, no matter where or when, Have paper with you and a pen (And easy access to a light The best ideas arrive by night) No inconvenience or fuss On bog or bike or omnibus, No obstacles of any sort Should keep us from collecting thought. [from Fardel's Bear, ch 13] |