For a sore throat gargle with milk and fig juice.
Be careful that you do not your tongue unloose.
What you think is a swan might turn out a goose.
Be careful not to put your neck in a noose.
Never tell a lie; obey your superiors; cherish virtue in your heart.
Try to discover and appreciate the treasure of science and art.
By the medium of example you should these discoveries impart
and so assist others to make a beneficial start.
Move over when you hear a high-pitched whistle.
It is no use trying to gather figs of thistles.
With difficulties such an undertaking bristles.
When you’re hungry you devour the last bit of gristle.
And that is the end of this epistle.
Author notes
Just me playing with new words I learnt, mostly taken (some as phrases in thyeir largere context) from English translation by D. J. Hogarth of DEAD SOULS by Nikolai Vasilievich Gogol. If some of them sound archaic that’s not surprising because the book was published in 1842.
Written May 31st, 2005
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very good
Great! Glad that you are back. I've been out of the AP for some time, being on trip. Anyway I'm back and taking look at what's new from you. I really like your poetry. Just keep playing with words and continue your good work! -
Nik,
"Figs of thistles" - what's that all about?
NB Epistle is more a letter than a message - I think "ode" would have been better.
All the best.
Robin.
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