Today's poet

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Harry H Howgill

I've not had chance to write anything comprehendable tonight, but I've enjoyed all your posts again friends.

x

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night HHH :)

I know its been on before but i felt a desire to post this again...think i'll turn in soon so sleep well friends...

Lullaby
Louisa May Allcott

Now the day is done,
Now the shepherd sun
Drives his white flocks from the sky;
Now the flowers rest
On their mother's breast,
Hushed by her low lullaby.

Now the glowworms glance,
Now the fireflies dance,
Under fern-boughs green and high;
And the western breeze
To the forest trees
Chants a tuneful lullaby.

Now 'mid shadows deep
Falls blessed sleep,
Like dew from the summer sky;
And the whole earth dreams,
In the moon's soft beams,
While night breathes a lullaby.

Now, birdlings, rest,
In your wind-rocked nest,
Unscared by the owl's shrill cry;
For with folded wings
Little Brier swings,
And singeth your lullaby.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by freckle

enforced paralysis
i listen and wretch
at p(y)a(o)i(u)n(r)

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Oh gosh...this is one of those nights. Another heartfelt and stunning bit of poetry but gut wrenching. I do wish we were all in the pub or something.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Hes

Oh gosh...this is one of those nights. Another heartfelt and stunning bit of poetry but gut wrenching. I do wish we were all in the pub or something.

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If only...........

Mmmm...not sure what reaction this poem might receive, but your thoughts would be appreciated. Essentially, I think it's non-dualist, but by saying that I've already contradicted the essence of the poem - dope!

參同契
Harmony of Difference and Sameness

竺土大仙心 The mind of the great sage of India
東西密相付 is intimately transmitted from west to east.
人根有利鈍 While human faculties are sharp or dull,
道無南北祖 the Way has no northern or southern ancestors.
靈源明皎潔 The spiritual source shines clear in the light;
枝派暗流注 the branching streams flow on in the dark.
執事元是迷 Grasping at things is surely delusion;
契理亦非悟 according with sameness is still not enlightenment.
門門一切境 All the objects of the senses
迴互不迴互 interact and yet do not.
迴而更相涉 Interacting brings involvement.
不爾依位住 Otherwise, each keeps its place.
色本殊質像 Sights vary in quality and form,
聲元異樂苦 sounds differ as pleasing or harsh.
闇合上中言 Refined and common speech come together in the dark,
明明清濁句 clear and murky phrases are distinguished in the light.
四大性自復 The four elements return to their natures
如子得其母 just as a child turns to its mother;
火熱風動搖 Fire heats, wind moves,
水濕地堅固 water wets, earth is solid.
眼色耳音聲 Eye and sights, ear and sounds,
鼻香舌鹹醋 nose and smells, tongue and tastes;
然於一一法 Thus with each and every thing,
依根葉分布 depending on these roots, the leaves spread forth.
本未須歸宗 Trunk and branches share the essence;
尊卑用其語 revered and common, each has its speech.
當明中有暗 In the light there is darkness,
勿以暗相遇 but don't take it as darkness;
當暗中有明 In the dark there is light,
勿以明相睹 but don't see it as light.
明暗各相對 Light and dark oppose one another
比如前後歩 like the front and back foot in walking.
萬物自有功 Each of the myriad things has its merit,
當言用及處 expressed according to function and place.
事存函蓋合 Phenomena exist; box and lid fit;
理應箭鋒拄 principle responds; arrow points meet.
承言須會宗 Hearing the words, understand the meaning;
勿自立規矩 don't set up standards of your own.
觸目不會道 If you don't understand the Way right before you,
運足焉知路 how will you know the path as you walk?
進歩非近遠 Progress is not a matter of far or near,
迷隔山河故 but if you are confused, mountains and rivers block your way.
謹白參玄人 I respectfully urge you who study the mystery,
光陰莫虚度 do not pass your days and nights in vain.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Mossdog

Mmmm...not sure what reaction this poem might receive, but your thoughts would be appreciated. Essentially, I think it's non-dualist, but by saying that I've already contradicted the essence of the poem - dope!

參同契
Harmony of Difference and Sameness

.

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Hey Mossy, is this from the Tao Te Ching? I'm not very knowledgable on its contents as I have a horrible habit of just dipping in.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Mossdog

Mmmm...not sure what reaction this poem might receive, but your thoughts would be appreciated. Essentially, I think it's non-dualist, but by saying that I've already contradicted the essence of the poem - dope!

參同契
Harmony of Difference and Sameness

竺土大仙心 The mind of the great sage of India
東西密相付 is intimately transmitted from west to east.
人根有利鈍 While human faculties are sharp or dull,
道無南北祖 the Way has no northern or southern ancestors.
靈源明皎潔 The spiritual source shines clear in the light;
枝派暗流注 the branching streams flow on in the dark.
執事元是迷 Grasping at things is surely delusion;
契理亦非悟 according with sameness is still not enlightenment.
門門一切境 All the objects of the senses
迴互不迴互 interact and yet do not.
迴而更相涉 Interacting brings involvement.
不爾依位住 Otherwise, each keeps its place.
色本殊質像 Sights vary in quality and form,
聲元異樂苦 sounds differ as pleasing or harsh.
闇合上中言 Refined and common speech come together in the dark,
明明清濁句 clear and murky phrases are distinguished in the light.
四大性自復 The four elements return to their natures
如子得其母 just as a child turns to its mother;
火熱風動搖 Fire heats, wind moves,
水濕地堅固 water wets, earth is solid.
眼色耳音聲 Eye and sights, ear and sounds,
鼻香舌鹹醋 nose and smells, tongue and tastes;
然於一一法 Thus with each and every thing,
依根葉分布 depending on these roots, the leaves spread forth.
本未須歸宗 Trunk and branches share the essence;
尊卑用其語 revered and common, each has its speech.
當明中有暗 In the light there is darkness,
勿以暗相遇 but don't take it as darkness;
當暗中有明 In the dark there is light,
勿以明相睹 but don't see it as light.
明暗各相對 Light and dark oppose one another
比如前後歩 like the front and back foot in walking.
萬物自有功 Each of the myriad things has its merit,
當言用及處 expressed according to function and place.
事存函蓋合 Phenomena exist; box and lid fit;
理應箭鋒拄 principle responds; arrow points meet.
承言須會宗 Hearing the words, understand the meaning;
勿自立規矩 don't set up standards of your own.
觸目不會道 If you don't understand the Way right before you,
運足焉知路 how will you know the path as you walk?
進歩非近遠 Progress is not a matter of far or near,
迷隔山河故 but if you are confused, mountains and rivers block your way.
謹白參玄人 I respectfully urge you who study the mystery,
光陰莫虚度 do not pass your days and nights in vain.

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My pea sized and tired brain is struggling with this somewhat tonight although it looks very interesting...i have dim and distant memories of studying Levi Strauss at college and this reminded me of some of his ideas which i think (but will have to google it!) suggest that there is no meaning in things without an opposite...but i could have that completely wrong...think i better get my coat

or perhaps not...

http://www.mnsu.edu/emuseum/informat...ss_claude.html

Hi Hes. No it's the Sandōkai a key poem and basic text of Soto Zen. I first came across it at Throssle Hole Zen Monastery, located not far from where I live.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by freckle

My pea sized and tired brain is struggling with this somewhat tonight although it looks very interesting...i have dim and distant memories of studying Levi Strauss at college and this reminded me of some of his ideas which i think (but will have to google it!) suggest that there is no meaning in things without an opposite...but i could have that completely wrong...think i better get my coat

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Don't rush off young lady...I think you're one to something...er... regarding the poems meaning that is:D

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Mossdog

Don't rush off young lady...I think you're one to something...er... regarding the poems meaning that is:D

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er correction...that's 'on to'...not 'one to'.. Well it is late!!!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Mossdog

Don't rush off young lady...I think you're one to something...er... regarding the poems meaning that is:D

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see my edit mossy :rolleyes:

i am also reminded of the psychoanalytic concepts of splitting as a primitive defence mechanism...ie things, people are either all good all bad etc...i'll not teach a granny to suck eggs tho!.....i realise this is a tenous link but sometimes I just have the urge to free associate....

Now to me, this poem has yin yang written all over it (metaphorically of course) - one needing the other; different but unified; two but one; etc. How is it we don't have a yin yang smiley/emoticon:mad:. No that's not it either:D. hey I'm on to something here...:mad::D:....etc.

Mmmm...interesting mossy...

i am supposed to be going to bed but not exactly sleepy...wish i could write something good but feeling a little lost...for words etc...so I'll use Nat King Cole I think...

And now the purple dusk of twilight time
Steals across the meadows of my heart
High up in the sky the little stars climb
Always reminding me that we're apart

You wander down the lane and far away
Leaving me a song that will not die
Love is now the stardust of yesterday
The music of the years gone by

Sometimes I wonder why I spend
The lonely night dreaming of a song
The melody haunts my reverie
And I am once again with you
When our love was new
And each kiss an inspiration
But that was long ago
Now my consolation
Is in the stardust of a song

Beside a garden wall
When stars are bright
You are in my arms
The nightingale tells his fairy tale
of paradise where roses grew
Though I dream in vain
In my heart it will remain
My stardust melody
The memory of love's refrain

I'm afraid I've totally lost it tonight. Can't concentrate and feel overwhelmed so I'll say goodnight and look forward to a clearer day tomorrow. xx

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Hes

I'm afraid I've totally lost it tonight. Can't concentrate and feel overwhelmed so I'll say goodnight and look forward to a clearer day tomorrow. xx

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Sleep well Hes hope you feel better soon, xx

Does this help?

yin-yang sky



shy

in blue disguise
she falls his snow

he angels her drift

in
co-gnito

(( ear-to-ear
they knowing
yeht still


snowing

s * u * r * p * r * i * s * e



miles high
white swoosh con-trail

)) smiles

( o-so sly-ly )

sunrose yellow

sky

KIM SMITH

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Mossdog

Does this help?

yin-yang sky



shy

in blue disguise
she falls his snow

he angels her drift

in
co-gnito

(( ear-to-ear
they knowing
yeht still


snowing

s * u * r * p * r * i * s * e



miles high
white swoosh con-trail

)) smiles

( o-so sly-ly )

sunrose yellow

sky

KIM SMITH

---

lovely Mossdog but time for me to turn in now...na night x

It ain't what you do it's what it does to you

I have not bummed across America
with only a dollar to spare, one pair
of busted Levi's and a bowie knife.
I have lived with thieves in Manchester.

I have not padded through the Taj Mahal,
barefoot, listening to the space between
each footfall picking up and putting down
its print against the marble floor. But I

skimmed flat stones across Black Moss on a day
so still I could hear each set of ripples
as they crossed. I felt each stones' inertia
spend itself against the water; then sink.

I have not toyed with a parachute cord
while perched on the lip of a light aircraft;
but I have held the wobbly head of a boy
at the day centre, and stroked his fat hands.

And I guess that the tightness in the throat
and the tiny cascading sensation
somewhere inside us are both part of that
sense of something else. That feeling, I mean.

Simon Armitage

Why did I post this? I thought there has not been much Simon Armitage on the thread (but what do I know, I have been away from it a long time) so I did a search, and this one struck a chord in me.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Stevie

It ain't what you do it's what it does to you

I have not bummed across America
with only a dollar to spare, one pair
of busted Levi's and a bowie knife.
I have lived with thieves in Manchester.

I have not padded through the Taj Mahal,
barefoot, listening to the space between
each footfall picking up and putting down
its print against the marble floor. But I

skimmed flat stones across Black Moss on a day
so still I could hear each set of ripples
as they crossed. I felt each stones' inertia
spend itself against the water; then sink.

I have not toyed with a parachute cord
while perched on the lip of a light aircraft;
but I have held the wobbly head of a boy
at the day centre, and stroked his fat hands.

And I guess that the tightness in the throat
and the tiny cascading sensation
somewhere inside us are both part of that
sense of something else. That feeling, I mean.

Simon Armitage

Why did I post this? I thought there has not been much Simon Armitage on the thread (but what do I know, I have been away from it a long time) so I did a search, and this one struck a chord in me.

---

You are right, there hasn't been enough and this is really beautiful. Welcome back.

It appears to be not possible to arrange the words correctly, but here is Birth Palette by Maggie O'Sullivan.

Lizard air lichens ivy driven urchin's pry to a pounce.
Scribbled terrestrial traor, the paw actions tainy blee
scoa, blue scog. In eat, gashed harmonica stresses to
skull icon, jigged but shower, Crushtative bundles,
Doe, Owl, the Hare mantled in a planetary pivot.
Vulture-Jar, dragonfly & waterbeetle are we, each veil of the glide species.

Sheer Shoe-Shoe darks, Weem Cyclicity, Threads & Wisps.
Yesterday's loaf soaks on the spindle,
sky blue large the sea's purple Octopi bickerings re-in-indigo dozens indignant.
Options Falter.
Rodent, Bat Swing Mare-O-Crow-0-Crane Midscales cache,
untitled kestrels carded,
ancestrous to a Song.

Earth scalded, wired lame.
Yew Hung Abbatoir Voltages.

Wouldja Pouches, sun crawl. Snail, Serpent,
Wren stroke of this tiny wobble entrailed massively.
Rune Retro whiskers congregate, blood squeak of the herd
do fruit
& jabbing trill,
flood plains.

Lagoon remnants bleeding salmon aquatic nocturnal warms, wanted, I curved.

Deers - early as early a knifing in livid Ever
fens've powder Spider fishes ground,
flew turbid,
stealthy sweet smoke heart size.

Dread.
Dulled.
Pebble,
putty tone,
Vessel
differing den pegs
Pheasant
the dark moon turns.

Ricochet, straw cauldrons, water sickle
rooting turbid Rails.
Pig gathers in the lemon.
Cow, later of wood.
Lioness, Itwas all moon down in the brainstem,
tally-sticks -
Jackal woke up fresh, a key made from Butterfly depths,
the Chrysalis, the Spider.
Treasury Futures.
Asterisms liced from the Skull.
Nerve Surge.
Expulsions to a Rope.

Don't ask me to explain it, but what I get from it is a feeling of all the latent properties that might be present in a newly born child. This child comes from some great darkness of human nature and instinct, but I have no fears for its ability to survive.

HI guys just a quick pop on and pop off for me as another school run in a minute so i haven't had a chance to look at posts yet but will later this afternoon when i have some down time...stevie it is great to have you back...anyhow i just had to post this poem, i found it today in a book called ten poems to change your life...with love to all....

The Journey
Mary Oliver

One day you finally knew
what you had to do, and began,
though the voices around you
kept shouting
their bad advice --
though the whole house
began to tremble
and you felt the old tug
at your ankles.
"Mend my life!"
each voice cried.
But you didn't stop.
You knew what you had to do,
though the wind pried
with its stiff fingers
at the very foundations,
though their melancholy
was terrible.
It was already late
enough, and a wild night,
and the road full of fallen
branches and stones.
But little by little,
as you left their voices behind,
the stars began to burn
through the sheets of clouds,
and there was a new voice
which you slowly
recognized as your own,
that kept you company
as you strode deeper and deeper
into the world,
determined to do
the only thing you could do --
determined to save
the only life you could save.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by freckle

One day you finally knew
what you had to do, and began,
.....

determined to do
the only thing you could do --
determined to save
the only life you could save.

---

Telling lines Freckle, I can sympathise with the sentiment.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by freckle

HI guys just a quick pop on and pop off for me as another school run in a minute so i haven't had a chance to look at posts yet but will later this afternoon when i have some down time...stevie it is great to have you back...anyhow i just had to post this poem, i found it today in a book called ten poems to change your life...with love to all....

The Journey
Mary Oliver

One day you finally knew
what you had to do, and began,
though the voices around you
kept shouting
their bad advice --
though the whole house
began to tremble
and you felt the old tug
at your ankles.
"Mend my life!"
each voice cried.
But you didn't stop.
You knew what you had to do,
though the wind pried
with its stiff fingers
at the very foundations,
though their melancholy
was terrible.
It was already late
enough, and a wild night,
and the road full of fallen
branches and stones.
But little by little,
as you left their voices behind,
the stars began to burn
through the sheets of clouds,
and there was a new voice
which you slowly
recognized as your own,
that kept you company
as you strode deeper and deeper
into the world,
determined to do
the only thing you could do --
determined to save
the only life you could save.

---

That's perfect Freckle.

I posted this a few weeks ago saying how my mum gave it to me just before I left for a year and half of travel overseas but the timing is far better today and it is great to reread it. It is hard to tread a lone path but at the end of the day...we all have to and it is surprising and comforting to discover what inner strength you have.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Hes

It is hard to tread a lone path but at the end of the day...we all have to and it is surprising and comforting to discover what inner strength you have.

---

Agreed, and it's only when you realise that nobody is going to "mend your life" that you finally get on and mend it yourself.

Cross Country tomorrow
But I want to run far today
Winter choices...:(

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Hes

That's perfect Freckle.

I posted this a few weeks ago saying how my mum gave it to me just before I left for a year and half of travel overseas but the timing is far better today and it is great to reread it. It is hard to tread a lone path but at the end of the day...we all have to and it is surprising and comforting to discover what inner strength you have.

---

Gosh Hes I can't believe i forgot about that...i was just in borders browsing and it shouted out at me...timing i agree is an issue...i will post some more from this book in the coming days as there are some lovely poems in it....stevie I love the armitage poem its really beautiful thank you for posting it....laters :)

December Dream

My friend, my love
Are you gone? Are you gone?
But you were here just a moment ago
I can’t find my way out of this damn fell
I thought I knew where I was
And you were just there
On that tussock
With a smile and your map,
hands, voice.

Where are you?
Its getting dark
December chill in the air
"Look at that" I cry
A huge cave in my stomach
The wind howling right through
What's happening to me?
what's happening?
I’m cold
I’m scared
I can’t breath, I can’t breath!

The owl sings but he is too far off
I can’t reach him
I think“they’ll find me here,
clutching the dull pink lights"
My mother will say“we had no idea”.

I awake, relief
for a moment, then
I remember.
I remember.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by freckle

HI guys just a quick pop on and pop off for me as another school run in a minute so i haven't had a chance to look at posts yet but will later this afternoon when i have some down time...stevie it is great to have you back...anyhow i just had to post this poem, i found it today in a book called ten poems to change your life...with love to all....

The Journey
Mary Oliver

One day you finally knew
what you had to do, and began,
though the voices around you
kept shouting
their bad advice --
though the whole house
began to tremble
and you felt the old tug
at your ankles.
"Mend my life!"
each voice cried.
But you didn't stop.
You knew what you had to do,
though the wind pried
with its stiff fingers
at the very foundations,
though their melancholy
was terrible.
It was already late
enough, and a wild night,
and the road full of fallen
branches and stones.
But little by little,
as you left their voices behind,
the stars began to burn
through the sheets of clouds,
and there was a new voice
which you slowly
recognized as your own,
that kept you company
as you strode deeper and deeper
into the world,
determined to do
the only thing you could do --
determined to save
the only life you could save.

---

Thanks for that one Freckle. Sometimes doing the right thing is often the last thing you want to do; but it doesn't stop it being right.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by freckle

December Dream

My friend, my love
Are you gone? Are you gone?
But you were here just a moment ago
I can’t find my way out of this damn fell
I thought I knew where I was
And you were just there
On that tussock
With a smile and your map,
hands, voice.

Where are you?
Its getting dark
December chill in the air
"Look at that" I cry
A huge cave in my stomach
The wind howling right through
What's happening to me?
what's happening?
I’m cold
I’m scared
I can’t breath, I can’t breath!

The owl sings but he is too far off
I can’t reach him
I think“they’ll find me here,
clutching the dull pink lights"
My mother will say“we had no idea”.

I awake, relief
for a moment, then
I remember.
I remember.

---

That's lovely. Keep dreaming. If a dream is all there can be, then that's what you hang on to.

Fading Winter light
The stag surveys all he has
Ready for the night

Anyone else lucky enough to be out on the fells today?

Teesdale tops glisten
Snow on my inov-8s - yes!
Blue sky yipeeeee-ing.

:):)

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Mossdog

Anyone else lucky enough to be out on the fells today?

Teesdale tops glisten
Snow on my inov-8s - yes!
Blue sky yipeeeee-ing.

:):)

---

Alas not me but that sounds brilliant! Glad you had a good day. I'm hoping for similar on Sunday at Eskdale Eureka.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Hes

Alas not me but that sounds brilliant! Glad you had a good day. I'm hoping for similar on Sunday at Eskdale Eureka.

---

Hope you do too Hes. Fingers crossed.

No running today for me either Mossy! Some of that snow and sun would be nice at Marsden Edale on Sunday :cool:

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Derby Tup

No running today for me either Mossy! Some of that snow and sun would be nice at Marsden Edale on Sunday :cool:

---

I am going to try my best to squeeze a head torch run in later on if I can, your run sounds sweet mossy :)

Hello Bards

been trying to catch up with some of the stuff posted

Here's another


We would eat roast beef and Yorkshire pudding
on Sunday afternoons
Apple pie and canned cream for afters
Consumed with EPNS spoons

The gravy made from the juice of meat
and a little cornflour
Just like quick setting concrete
it was hard within the hour

The plates were cold on which lunch was served
and none of them were matching
But none of this I didn't mind
I still think it's rather catching

Really , really impressed with everything that's been written. I love this thread. Hello to everyone.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by neil wootton

Hello Bards

been trying to catch up with some of the stuff posted

Here's another


We would eat roast beef and Yorkshire pudding
on Sunday afternoons
Apple pie and canned cream for afters
Consumed with EPNS spoons

The gravy made from the juice of meat
and a little cornflour
Just like quick setting concrete
it was hard within the hour

The plates were cold on which lunch was served
and none of them were matching
But none of this I didn't mind
I still think it's rather catching

---

Lovely Neil and hello Tri..it so nice to be referred to as a bard! As its friday night i am unlikely to be on much but have a few gems to post later when I can...have a pleasant evening all...:)

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by neil wootton

Hello Bards

been trying to catch up with some of the stuff posted

Here's another


We would eat roast beef and Yorkshire pudding
on Sunday afternoons
Apple pie and canned cream for afters
Consumed with EPNS spoons

The gravy made from the juice of meat
and a little cornflour
Just like quick setting concrete
it was hard within the hour

The plates were cold on which lunch was served
and none of them were matching
But none of this I didn't mind
I still think it's rather catching

---

Not if you're a veggie:D:D

Some thoughts from my favourite....

it may not always be so;and i say

it may not always be so;and i say
that if your lips,which i have loved,should touch
another's,and your dear strong fingers clutch
his heart,as mine in time not fara away;
if on another's face your sweet hair lay
in such a silence as i know,or such
great writhing words as,uttering overmuch,
stand helplessly before the spirit at bay;

if this should be,i say if this should be--
you of my heart,send me a little word;
that i may go unto him,and take his hands,
saying,Accept all happiness from me.
Then shall i turn my face,and hear one bird
sing terribly afar in the lost lands.

e e cummings

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by freckle

;

you of my heart,send me a little word;
that i may go unto him,and take his hands,
saying,Accept all happiness from me.....

e e cummings

---

Mmm. Not sure about this one freckle - surely the following line should have read...

that i may go unto him,and take his hands
...and rip them off!

Perhaps it's just me being a passionate, unforgiving vindicitive jealous type! ;)