[No. 1,121]

And I cant do it with the conceptuals[1], and but but but just changing one word in a poem can be very powerful[1], and I cant do it with the conceptuals[2], and youve got to get the right words[1], and but but but just changing one word in a poem can be very powerful[2], and theres no time for me with the conceptuals too much work and not enough time[1], and youve got to get the right words[2], and thats all right aint it[1], and theres no time for me with the conceptuals too much work and not enough time[2], and at least aRound here we can have our fun oh some sort of fun maybe I dont know[1], and thats all right aint it[2], and I cant say wouldnt want to[1], and at least aRound here we can have our fun oh some sort of fun maybe I dont know[2], and but but but maybe I just did uh uh uh does anyone know or are you all in the dark[1], and I cant say wouldnt want to[2], and Im in the dark[1], and but but but maybe I just did uh uh uh does anyone know or are you all in the dark[2], and the dark aint such a bad place I suppose it can be comforting what do I know[1], and Im in the dark[2], and I dont know what I know do you[1], and the dark aint such a bad place I suppose it can be comforting what do I know[2], and why am I even asking you its a damn mystery thats for sure[1], and I dont know what I know do you[2], and still the words come I would complain but Im having too ooo much fun arent I[1], and why am I even asking you its a damn mystery thats for sure[2], and arent we arent you[1], and still the words come I would complain but Im having too ooo much fun arent I[2], and never ever mind were not looking for sense are we only fun are you having fun[1], and arent we arent you[2], and Ill ask you again[1], and never ever mind were not looking for sense are we only fun are you having fun[2], and or or or maybe I wont bother because Im tired[1], and Ill ask you again[2], and where was I with words my thoughts ah yes poetry every word matters[1], and or or or maybe I wont bother because Im tired[2], and in a big poem well if you can pay attention to every single word polish every single word[1], and where was I with words my thoughts ah yes poetry every word matters[2], and in relation to all the others[1], and in a big poem well if you can pay attention to every single word polish every single word[2], and you will be rewarded I promise you[1], and in relation to all the others[2], and thats the truth[1], and you will be rewarded I promise you[2], and knowing my luck Ill fall off a cliff into the sea clutching the manuscripts of the greatest poems ever written[1], and thats the truth[2], and thats my luck believe me[1], and knowing my luck Ill fall off a cliff into the sea clutching the manuscripts of the greatest poems ever written[2], and the dolphins will have a great time reading them if they can read of course[1], and thats my luck believe me[2], and can they read human[1], and the dolphins will have a great time reading them if they can read of course[2], and we just dont know we dont know what their powers are do we[1], and can they read human[2], and theyre real cosmic creatures thats for sure[1], and we just dont know we dont know what their powers are do we[2], and absolutely the best spiritual aristocrats that the earth has to offer[1], and theyre real cosmic creatures thats for sure[2], and the sea has to offer yes[1], and absolutely the best spiritual aristocrats that the earth has to offer[2], and I cant do it with the conceptuals[3], and the sea has to offer yes[2], and but but but just changing one word in a poem can be very powerful[3], and youve got to get the right words[3], and theres no time for me with the conceptuals too much work and not enough time[3], and thats all right aint it[3], and at least aRound here we can have our fun oh some sort of fun maybe I dont know[3], and I cant say wouldnt want to[3], and but but but maybe I just did uh uh uh does anyone know or are you all in the dark[3], and Im in the dark[3], and the dark aint such a bad place I suppose it can be comforting what do I know[3], and I dont know what I know do you[3], and why am I even asking you its a damn mystery thats for sure[3], and still the words come I would complain but Im having too ooo much fun arent I[3], and arent we arent you[3], and never ever mind were not looking for sense are we only fun are you having fun[3], and Ill ask you again[3], and or or or maybe I wont bother because Im tired[3], and where was I with words my thoughts ah yes poetry every word matters[3], and in a big poem well if you can pay attention to every single word polish every single word[3], and in relation to all the others[3], and you will be rewarded I promise you[3], and thats the truth[3], and knowing my luck Ill fall off a cliff into the sea clutching the manuscripts of the greatest poems ever written[3], and thats my luck believe me[3], and the dolphins will have a great time reading them if they can read of course[3], and can they read human[3], and we just dont know we dont know what their powers are do we[3], and theyre real cosmic creatures thats for sure[3], and absolutely the best spiritual aristocrats that the earth has to offer[3], and the sea has to offer yes[3], and

And I cant do it with the conceptuals[1], and but but but just changing one word in a poem can be very powerful[1], and I cant do it with the conceptuals[2], and youve got to get the right words[1], and but but but just changing one word in a poem can be very powerful[2], and theres no time for me with the conceptuals too much work and not enough time[1], and youve got to get the right words[2], and thats all right aint it[1], and theres no time for me with the conceptuals too much work and not enough time[2], and at least aRound here we can have our fun oh some sort of fun maybe I dont know[1], and thats all right aint it[2], and I cant say wouldnt want to[1], and at least aRound here we can have our fun oh some sort of fun maybe I dont know[2], and but but but maybe I just did uh uh uh does anyone know or are you all in the dark[1], and I cant say wouldnt want to[2], and Im in the dark[1], and but but but maybe I just did uh uh uh does anyone know or are you all in the dark[2], and the dark aint such a bad place I suppose it can be comforting what do I know[1], and Im in the dark[2], and I dont know what I know do you[1], and the dark aint such a bad place I suppose it can be comforting what do I know[2], and why am I even asking you its a damn mystery thats for sure[1], and I dont know what I know do you[2], and still the words come I would complain but Im having too ooo much fun arent I[1], and why am I even asking you its a damn mystery thats for sure[2], and arent we arent you[1], and still the words come I would complain but Im having too ooo much fun arent I[2], and never ever mind were not looking for sense are we only fun are you having fun[1], and arent we arent you[2], and Ill ask you again[1], and never ever mind were not looking for sense are we only fun are you having fun[2], and or or or maybe I wont bother because Im tired[1], and Ill ask you again[2], and where was I with words my thoughts ah yes poetry every word matters[1], and or or or maybe I wont bother because Im tired[2], and in a big poem well if you can pay attention to every single word polish every single word[1], and where was I with words my thoughts ah yes poetry every word matters[2], and in relation to all the others[1], and in a big poem well if you can pay attention to every single word polish every single word[2], and you will be rewarded I promise you[1], and in relation to all the others[2], and thats the truth[1], and you will be rewarded I promise you[2], and knowing my luck Ill fall off a cliff into the sea clutching the manuscripts of the greatest poems ever written[1], and thats the truth[2], and thats my luck believe me[1], and knowing my luck Ill fall off a cliff into the sea clutching the manuscripts of the greatest poems ever written[2], and the dolphins will have a great time reading them if they can read of course[1], and thats my luck believe me[2], and can they read human[1], and the dolphins will have a great time reading them if they can read of course[2], and we just dont know we dont know what their powers are do we[1], and can they read human[2], and theyre real cosmic creatures thats for sure[1], and we just dont know we dont know what their powers are do we[2], and absolutely the best spiritual aristocrats that the earth has to offer[1], and theyre real cosmic creatures thats for sure[2], and the sea has to offer yes[1], and absolutely the best spiritual aristocrats that the earth has to offer[2], and I cant do it with the conceptuals[3], and the sea has to offer yes[2], and but but but just changing one word in a poem can be very powerful[3], and youve got to get the right words[3], and theres no time for me with the conceptuals too much work and not enough time[3], and thats all right aint it[3], and at least aRound here we can have our fun oh some sort of fun maybe I dont know[3], and I cant say wouldnt want to[3], and but but but maybe I just did uh uh uh does anyone know or are you all in the dark[3], and Im in the dark[3], and the dark aint such a bad place I suppose it can be comforting what do I know[3], and I dont know what I know do you[3], and why am I even asking you its a damn mystery thats for sure[3], and still the words come I would complain but Im having too ooo much fun arent I[3], and arent we arent you[3], and never ever mind were not looking for sense are we only fun are you having fun[3], and Ill ask you again[3], and or or or maybe I wont bother because Im tired[3], and where was I with words my thoughts ah yes poetry every word matters[3], and in a big poem well if you can pay attention to every single word polish every single word[3], and in relation to all the others[3], and you will be rewarded I promise you[3], and thats the truth[3], and knowing my luck Ill fall off a cliff into the sea clutching the manuscripts of the greatest poems ever written[3], and thats my luck believe me[3], and the dolphins will have a great time reading them if they can read of course[3], and can they read human[3], and we just dont know we dont know what their powers are do we[3], and theyre real cosmic creatures thats for sure[3], and absolutely the best spiritual aristocrats that the earth has to offer[3], and the sea has to offer yes[3], and

And I cant do it with the conceptuals[1], and but but but just changing one word in a poem can be very powerful[1], and I cant do it with the conceptuals[2], and youve got to get the right words[1], and but but but just changing one word in a poem can be very powerful[2], and theres no time for me with the conceptuals too much work and not enough time[1], and youve got to get the right words[2], and thats all right aint it[1], and theres no time for me with the conceptuals too much work and not enough time[2], and at least aRound here we can have our fun oh some sort of fun maybe I dont know[1], and thats all right aint it[2], and I cant say wouldnt want to[1], and at least aRound here we can have our fun oh some sort of fun maybe I dont know[2], and but but but maybe I just did uh uh uh does anyone know or are you all in the dark[1], and I cant say wouldnt want to[2], and Im in the dark[1], and but but but maybe I just did uh uh uh does anyone know or are you all in the dark[2], and the dark aint such a bad place I suppose it can be comforting what do I know[1], and Im in the dark[2], and I dont know what I know do you[1], and the dark aint such a bad place I suppose it can be comforting what do I know[2], and why am I even asking you its a damn mystery thats for sure[1], and I dont know what I know do you[2], and still the words come I would complain but Im having too ooo much fun arent I[1], and why am I even asking you its a damn mystery thats for sure[2], and arent we arent you[1], and still the words come I would complain but Im having too ooo much fun arent I[2], and never ever mind were not looking for sense are we only fun are you having fun[1], and arent we arent you[2], and Ill ask you again[1], and never ever mind were not looking for sense are we only fun are you having fun[2], and or or or maybe I wont bother because Im tired[1], and Ill ask you again[2], and where was I with words my thoughts ah yes poetry every word matters[1], and or or or maybe I wont bother because Im tired[2], and in a big poem well if you can pay attention to every single word polish every single word[1], and where was I with words my thoughts ah yes poetry every word matters[2], and in relation to all the others[1], and in a big poem well if you can pay attention to every single word polish every single word[2], and you will be rewarded I promise you[1], and in relation to all the others[2], and thats the truth[1], and you will be rewarded I promise you[2], and knowing my luck Ill fall off a cliff into the sea clutching the manuscripts of the greatest poems ever written[1], and thats the truth[2], and thats my luck believe me[1], and knowing my luck Ill fall off a cliff into the sea clutching the manuscripts of the greatest poems ever written[2], and the dolphins will have a great time reading them if they can read of course[1], and thats my luck believe me[2], and can they read human[1], and the dolphins will have a great time reading them if they can read of course[2], and we just dont know we dont know what their powers are do we[1], and can they read human[2], and theyre real cosmic creatures thats for sure[1], and we just dont know we dont know what their powers are do we[2], and absolutely the best spiritual aristocrats that the earth has to offer[1], and theyre real cosmic creatures thats for sure[2], and the sea has to offer yes[1], and absolutely the best spiritual aristocrats that the earth has to offer[2], and I cant do it with the conceptuals[3], and the sea has to offer yes[2], and but but but just changing one word in a poem can be very powerful[3], and youve got to get the right words[3], and theres no time for me with the conceptuals too much work and not enough time[3], and thats all right aint it[3], and at least aRound here we can have our fun oh some sort of fun maybe I dont know[3], and I cant say wouldnt want to[3], and but but but maybe I just did uh uh uh does anyone know or are you all in the dark[3], and Im in the dark[3], and the dark aint such a bad place I suppose it can be comforting what do I know[3], and I dont know what I know do you[3], and why am I even asking you its a damn mystery thats for sure[3], and still the words come I would complain but Im having too ooo much fun arent I[3], and arent we arent you[3], and never ever mind were not looking for sense are we only fun are you having fun[3], and Ill ask you again[3], and or or or maybe I wont bother because Im tired[3], and where was I with words my thoughts ah yes poetry every word matters[3], and in a big poem well if you can pay attention to every single word polish every single word[3], and in relation to all the others[3], and you will be rewarded I promise you[3], and thats the truth[3], and knowing my luck Ill fall off a cliff into the sea clutching the manuscripts of the greatest poems ever written[3], and thats my luck believe me[3], and the dolphins will have a great time reading them if they can read of course[3], and can they read human[3], and we just dont know we dont know what their powers are do we[3], and theyre real cosmic creatures thats for sure[3], and absolutely the best spiritual aristocrats that the earth has to offer[3], and the sea has to offer yes[3], and

Astorg VIII

Oh, what a great series of films!

I can't wait until this latest one is released.

'Boss ...'

Paris/Luxembourg, 27 July 2023 - Astorg is pleased to announce a further closing of its flagship fund, Astorg VIII, bringing total fund commitments to €4 billion. This represents circa.90% of Astorg VIII’s target size and hard cap of €4.5 billion, a nearly 10% increase on its predecessor fund. Astorg will be accepting commitments in respect of Astorg VIII until January 31, 2024. This further closing brings together new investors across geographies, existing investors in prior Astorg funds which had yet to commit to Astorg VIII, and investors which had committed early to Astorg VIII and which have decided to increase their exposure.

Well, that's not a film, is it?! What the hell is going on?! Christ!

Maybe Jean will make some sense ...

"This interim closing further illustrates the appeal of Astorg's investment strategy to major international investors, despite challenging fundraising market conditions, and brings additional diversification of Astorg's investor base across categories and geographies. We also see the early success of Astorg's enhanced focus on family offices and high net worth individuals worldwide," comments Jean Raby, Head of Business Development, Astorg.

Well, okay.

'It's just finance, boss.'

Yeah.

I'm disappointed.

There is some good news though.

'What?'

We've got two voices talking together, Voice ... like those two girls in The Shining.

'Yippee!'

Normally, I wouldn't approve, but ... it's the closest we'll get to the movies.

Judith Charpentier and Lorenzo Zamboni, Co-Heads of Astorg's flagship fund, comment: "This further interim closing highlights the recognition by investors of the relevance of our investment strategy in what is seen as a more adverse macro-economic environment. It also speaks to the outstanding resilience of our performance through cycles. Our four investments are performing at or above plan and we see meaningful potential upside from the value creation plans we are implementing with the relevant management teams. We continue to see significant opportunities across our target segments, and are fully committed to delivering outstanding returns for our growing LP base."

Shivers down my spine, basically.

'Ha!'

Well, horror on a Monday morning ... Why not?

ENDS

...

Anything else, kooks?

I finished my big poem at the weekend.

'Nice one, Mikey!'

Thanks, Voice.

I wrote the last fifteen lines in about twenty minutes with hardly any polishing, and they might be the best lines of the whole poem. They just came out of me, you know?

Also, I finished my new song on Friday. Endless Fun. I've recorded it, BUT(!) ... I might record it again.

You dig?

Never mind.

Here's my BIG DOZEN -

Endless Fun

Mighty Soul

Shady, Dodgy, Shifty

The Future

Life and Death

Nothing

This World Don't Mean a Thing

Lovers On The Make

Stella

Malibu

What's This Life We Live?

And Rain Came Down

Laters!

I've had a Jamaican patty

I've had a can of Stella.

I've had me chips.

What else do you need to know?

I'm eating those Starburst things now, but they used to be called Opal Fruits when I was a kid.

"Original" Starburst, they say. What is wrong with these people?! How can they be original if the original name was Opal Fruits???

Stop the world! I want to get off!

I can't even be bothered to look at the PR emails. Don't ask me where the Voice is. I don't know.

I've got to write a new lyric. I was supposed to be taking a year(s) off music, but they drag me back in with a great new tune.

Don't they?

Anyway, I only need 15 lines for my poem. I've got 140, very nicely polished - in case you're wondering.

Could I have another Stella? Anything is possible. There's three more in the fridge, you know. Three!

Those Jamaican patties are nice. Vegetable ones, obviously.

The chips were nice. The best chips in this area, actually. They've won prizes.

I'm not crazy about the purple Starburst, so I eat them first. The green/lime ones are my favourite.

I haven't seen those Toffo sweets for a long time. I used to like the packs with different flavours.

Not the plain Toffos. I didn't like them.

The Sweeney is on. Karl Howman is in this one. He was in Stardust, by the way. In the band. Stevie. He's Davy now.

It's not going to be any problem being a poet rock star. Or just poet star. It's all right.

That new song may change things a bit. However, poet star is cool. I can do it. I don't really care too much as long as I can play stadiums. Poet star or rock star. I'm really not fussed.

Sometimes I want to smash my laptop with a hammer.

How many twats do I need ... talking rubbish in the street? An endless supply, apparently.

The problem with these old TV programmes is that everyone's dead - almost. Maybe ... They can live forever!

What do you think?

Those 15 lines I need for the poem have got to be good. They're going near the end. I've already written the end.

I might have another Stella.

Or maybe I'll play it safe with a coffee.

What do you think?

I'm saving the lime ones until last.

Karl was in Minder, too. He even had his own sitcom once.

And he was in the Porridge film.

Lennie Godber was Kate Beckinsale's dad.

I could do with all three of those Stellas ...

I'll just have the coffee.

There's a weirdo outside with plastic gloves ... playing with rubbish bags. He's always doing it.

I might sell my electric guitar this week.

I'll just take it to one of those shops that buy stuff. Probably won't get a great price, but I don't want to mess around with adverts and that.

Karl's punched a police officer.

But Regan is friends with his mum, which means he'll be all right. Regan always goes easy on villains he knows personally. Everyone else is a slag.

Those streets look familiar.

Carter wants a bacon sarnie.

This guy playing a copper played a villain in the film Sweeney 2. How is that possible?!

Never mind.

But the first Sweeney film had quite a few guys playing different roles.

It's just acting, ain't it?

I hope it doesn't rain too much tonight. I'm not in the mood for it.

A dozen big poems would be great.

Oh, it's set in Acton! Regan has called for an ambulance.

[No. 1,120]

And uh[1], and gotta new tune didnt ask for it[1], and uh[2], and my life[1], and gotta new tune didnt ask for it[2], and Im always getting shit I didnt ask for man what is wrong with that freakin cosmos[1], and my life[2], and it sees me so ooo empty I suppose[1], and Im always getting shit I didnt ask for man what is wrong with that freakin cosmos[2], and Im just a cosmic dumping ground for music and words[1], and it sees me so ooo empty I suppose[2], and I would complain but[1], and Im just a cosmic dumping ground for music and words[2], and but but but its all good shit of course[1], and I would complain but[2], and maybe Im blessed and maybe just maybe Im the chosen one[1], and but but but its all good shit of course[2], and the cosmos says jump oh how high[1], and maybe Im blessed and maybe just maybe Im the chosen one[2], and I aint got no energy to fight the power that be out there and in here and everywhere yes[1], and the cosmos says jump oh how high[2], and all aROUND[1], and I aint got no energy to fight the power that be out there and in here and everywhere yes[2], and I get told[1], and all aROUND[2], and Ive been told the dolphins are my friends but the robots are scum pure scum kill them Mikey yes[1], and I get told[2], and my reward will be something nice Im sure[1], and Ive been told the dolphins are my friends but the robots are scum pure scum kill them Mikey yes[2], and its possible Ill be one of those cosmic dolphins flying through space a talking one with poetic words[1], and my reward will be something nice Im sure[2], and if you dont ask you dont get obviously[1], and its possible Ill be one of those cosmic dolphins flying through space a talking one with poetic words[2], and is that true really[1], and if you dont ask you dont get obviously[2], and but but but Ive found if you dont ask you get it all rammed into your brain asleep or awake[1], and is that true really[2], and the cosmos pleases itself[1], and but but but Ive found if you dont ask you get it all rammed into your brain asleep or awake[2], and its not our universe we just live in it for well we live in the cold world for a while[1], and the cosmos pleases itself[2], and not sure how long the universe will be our home[1], and its not our universe we just live in it for well we live in the cold world for a while[2], and I mean its material and one day one life surely we must be all spiritual all one with no more lives[1], and not sure how long the universe will be our home[2], and I suggest you you you hang on to your ego[1], and I mean its material and one day one life surely we must be all spiritual all one with no more lives[2], and do you have the faintest idea what Im going on about ha ha ha[1], and I suggest you you you hang on to your ego[2], and I would like to salute you definitely[1], and do you have the faintest idea what Im going on about ha ha ha[2], and well er[1], and I would like to salute you definitely[2], and actually watch me now as I take my hat off[1], and well er[2], and are you satisfied[1], and actually watch me now as I take my hat off[2], and uh[3], and are you satisfied[2], and gotta new tune didnt ask for it[3], and my life[3], and Im always getting shit I didnt ask for man what is wrong with that freakin cosmos[3], and it sees me so ooo empty I suppose[3], and Im just a cosmic dumping ground for music and words[3], and I would complain but[3], and but but but its all good shit of course[3], and maybe Im blessed and maybe just maybe Im the chosen one[3], and the cosmos says jump oh how high[3], and I aint got no energy to fight the power that be out there and in here and everywhere yes[3], and all aROUND[3], and I get told[3], and Ive been told the dolphins are my friends but the robots are scum pure scum kill them Mikey yes[3], and my reward will be something nice Im sure[3], and its possible Ill be one of those cosmic dolphins flying through space a talking one with poetic words[3], and if you dont ask you dont get obviously[3], and is that true really[3], and but but but Ive found if you dont ask you get it all rammed into your brain asleep or awake[3], and the cosmos pleases itself[3], and its not our universe we just live in it for well we live in the cold world for a while[3], and not sure how long the universe will be our home[3], and I mean its material and one day one life surely we must be all spiritual all one with no more lives[3], and I suggest you you you hang on to your ego[3], and do you have the faintest idea what Im going on about ha ha ha[3], and I would like to salute you definitely[3], and well er[3], and actually watch me now as I take my hat off[3], and are you satisfied[3], and

And uh[1], and gotta new tune didnt ask for it[1], and uh[2], and my life[1], and gotta new tune didnt ask for it[2], and Im always getting shit I didnt ask for man what is wrong with that freakin cosmos[1], and my life[2], and it sees me so ooo empty I suppose[1], and Im always getting shit I didnt ask for man what is wrong with that freakin cosmos[2], and Im just a cosmic dumping ground for music and words[1], and it sees me so ooo empty I suppose[2], and I would complain but[1], and Im just a cosmic dumping ground for music and words[2], and but but but its all good shit of course[1], and I would complain but[2], and maybe Im blessed and maybe just maybe Im the chosen one[1], and but but but its all good shit of course[2], and the cosmos says jump oh how high[1], and maybe Im blessed and maybe just maybe Im the chosen one[2], and I aint got no energy to fight the power that be out there and in here and everywhere yes[1], and the cosmos says jump oh how high[2], and all aROUND[1], and I aint got no energy to fight the power that be out there and in here and everywhere yes[2], and I get told[1], and all aROUND[2], and Ive been told the dolphins are my friends but the robots are scum pure scum kill them Mikey yes[1], and I get told[2], and my reward will be something nice Im sure[1], and Ive been told the dolphins are my friends but the robots are scum pure scum kill them Mikey yes[2], and its possible Ill be one of those cosmic dolphins flying through space a talking one with poetic words[1], and my reward will be something nice Im sure[2], and if you dont ask you dont get obviously[1], and its possible Ill be one of those cosmic dolphins flying through space a talking one with poetic words[2], and is that true really[1], and if you dont ask you dont get obviously[2], and but but but Ive found if you dont ask you get it all rammed into your brain asleep or awake[1], and is that true really[2], and the cosmos pleases itself[1], and but but but Ive found if you dont ask you get it all rammed into your brain asleep or awake[2], and its not our universe we just live in it for well we live in the cold world for a while[1], and the cosmos pleases itself[2], and not sure how long the universe will be our home[1], and its not our universe we just live in it for well we live in the cold world for a while[2], and I mean its material and one day one life surely we must be all spiritual all one with no more lives[1], and not sure how long the universe will be our home[2], and I suggest you you you hang on to your ego[1], and I mean its material and one day one life surely we must be all spiritual all one with no more lives[2], and do you have the faintest idea what Im going on about ha ha ha[1], and I suggest you you you hang on to your ego[2], and I would like to salute you definitely[1], and do you have the faintest idea what Im going on about ha ha ha[2], and well er[1], and I would like to salute you definitely[2], and actually watch me now as I take my hat off[1], and well er[2], and are you satisfied[1], and actually watch me now as I take my hat off[2], and uh[3], and are you satisfied[2], and gotta new tune didnt ask for it[3], and my life[3], and Im always getting shit I didnt ask for man what is wrong with that freakin cosmos[3], and it sees me so ooo empty I suppose[3], and Im just a cosmic dumping ground for music and words[3], and I would complain but[3], and but but but its all good shit of course[3], and maybe Im blessed and maybe just maybe Im the chosen one[3], and the cosmos says jump oh how high[3], and I aint got no energy to fight the power that be out there and in here and everywhere yes[3], and all aROUND[3], and I get told[3], and Ive been told the dolphins are my friends but the robots are scum pure scum kill them Mikey yes[3], and my reward will be something nice Im sure[3], and its possible Ill be one of those cosmic dolphins flying through space a talking one with poetic words[3], and if you dont ask you dont get obviously[3], and is that true really[3], and but but but Ive found if you dont ask you get it all rammed into your brain asleep or awake[3], and the cosmos pleases itself[3], and its not our universe we just live in it for well we live in the cold world for a while[3], and not sure how long the universe will be our home[3], and I mean its material and one day one life surely we must be all spiritual all one with no more lives[3], and I suggest you you you hang on to your ego[3], and do you have the faintest idea what Im going on about ha ha ha[3], and I would like to salute you definitely[3], and well er[3], and actually watch me now as I take my hat off[3], and are you satisfied[3], and

And uh[1], and gotta new tune didnt ask for it[1], and uh[2], and my life[1], and gotta new tune didnt ask for it[2], and Im always getting shit I didnt ask for man what is wrong with that freakin cosmos[1], and my life[2], and it sees me so ooo empty I suppose[1], and Im always getting shit I didnt ask for man what is wrong with that freakin cosmos[2], and Im just a cosmic dumping ground for music and words[1], and it sees me so ooo empty I suppose[2], and I would complain but[1], and Im just a cosmic dumping ground for music and words[2], and but but but its all good shit of course[1], and I would complain but[2], and maybe Im blessed and maybe just maybe Im the chosen one[1], and but but but its all good shit of course[2], and the cosmos says jump oh how high[1], and maybe Im blessed and maybe just maybe Im the chosen one[2], and I aint got no energy to fight the power that be out there and in here and everywhere yes[1], and the cosmos says jump oh how high[2], and all aROUND[1], and I aint got no energy to fight the power that be out there and in here and everywhere yes[2], and I get told[1], and all aROUND[2], and Ive been told the dolphins are my friends but the robots are scum pure scum kill them Mikey yes[1], and I get told[2], and my reward will be something nice Im sure[1], and Ive been told the dolphins are my friends but the robots are scum pure scum kill them Mikey yes[2], and its possible Ill be one of those cosmic dolphins flying through space a talking one with poetic words[1], and my reward will be something nice Im sure[2], and if you dont ask you dont get obviously[1], and its possible Ill be one of those cosmic dolphins flying through space a talking one with poetic words[2], and is that true really[1], and if you dont ask you dont get obviously[2], and but but but Ive found if you dont ask you get it all rammed into your brain asleep or awake[1], and is that true really[2], and the cosmos pleases itself[1], and but but but Ive found if you dont ask you get it all rammed into your brain asleep or awake[2], and its not our universe we just live in it for well we live in the cold world for a while[1], and the cosmos pleases itself[2], and not sure how long the universe will be our home[1], and its not our universe we just live in it for well we live in the cold world for a while[2], and I mean its material and one day one life surely we must be all spiritual all one with no more lives[1], and not sure how long the universe will be our home[2], and I suggest you you you hang on to your ego[1], and I mean its material and one day one life surely we must be all spiritual all one with no more lives[2], and do you have the faintest idea what Im going on about ha ha ha[1], and I suggest you you you hang on to your ego[2], and I would like to salute you definitely[1], and do you have the faintest idea what Im going on about ha ha ha[2], and well er[1], and I would like to salute you definitely[2], and actually watch me now as I take my hat off[1], and well er[2], and are you satisfied[1], and actually watch me now as I take my hat off[2], and uh[3], and are you satisfied[2], and gotta new tune didnt ask for it[3], and my life[3], and Im always getting shit I didnt ask for man what is wrong with that freakin cosmos[3], and it sees me so ooo empty I suppose[3], and Im just a cosmic dumping ground for music and words[3], and I would complain but[3], and but but but its all good shit of course[3], and maybe Im blessed and maybe just maybe Im the chosen one[3], and the cosmos says jump oh how high[3], and I aint got no energy to fight the power that be out there and in here and everywhere yes[3], and all aROUND[3], and I get told[3], and Ive been told the dolphins are my friends but the robots are scum pure scum kill them Mikey yes[3], and my reward will be something nice Im sure[3], and its possible Ill be one of those cosmic dolphins flying through space a talking one with poetic words[3], and if you dont ask you dont get obviously[3], and is that true really[3], and but but but Ive found if you dont ask you get it all rammed into your brain asleep or awake[3], and the cosmos pleases itself[3], and its not our universe we just live in it for well we live in the cold world for a while[3], and not sure how long the universe will be our home[3], and I mean its material and one day one life surely we must be all spiritual all one with no more lives[3], and I suggest you you you hang on to your ego[3], and do you have the faintest idea what Im going on about ha ha ha[3], and I would like to salute you definitely[3], and well er[3], and actually watch me now as I take my hat off[3], and are you satisfied[3], and

Vampires adding £147 to Brits' bills

Outrageous!

'This is a disgrace, boss!'

Yes, Voice.

Hi Michael,

'Is that one of the vampires?! / Hey, vampire -'

No. Calm down. Christ. It's Issy.

Brits have been told how to save £147 a year on their energy bills by turning off the 10 "vampire appliances".

'Oh, okay.'

Unplugging these common household items instead of leaving them on standby mode will quickly bring down energy bills. 

The experts at Quotezone.co.uk have named the ten household appliances that use the most energy in standby mode.

Right.

What does Greg say?

Greg Wilson, Founder at Quotezone.co.uk, says: "The simplest way for families to reduce their energy usage and save money is to eliminate unnecessary electricity use.

"Leaving appliances on standby means that they'll still be draining power even when you're not using them which causes unnecessary costs on your energy bills.

"Something as simple as flicking a switch can prevent the vampire appliances from eating up almost a quarter of your energy consumption.

"It's an easy win because you don't even have to make any major changes to your everyday habits to reduce these energy bills - it's just tricky to work out who the culprits are, so we've done some research and compiled a top ten list to help people identify which energy draining appliances to switch off and start saving."

Okay, Greg. 

Uh ...

Here are the ten appliances that use the most standby energy from the team at Quotezone.co.uk:

Games console

Besides the running costs, leaving your gaming console on standby for a whole year will cost you £27.52. Modern gaming consoles are much more powerful than they used to be and consume a lot of energy because they are connected to the internet even when they're in standby mode.

Desktop computer

A lot of people are working from home nowadays and are using their computers for most of the day which already adds a considerable sum of money to their electricity bills. Leaving the computer on standby will add another £13.39 to their annual bills.

Laptop

The annual standby cost of laptops is £10.41. The good thing with laptops is that you can unplug them as soon as they've got enough charge instead of letting them eat up power all day.

Okay, thanks.

'There's more, boss!'

I know there is, but ...

'What?'

It's not a PR email about vampires, is it?

'It's about vampire appliances.'

Yeah. I thought we were getting something about vampires though. I mean, real vampires, you dig?

'FFS! You should read these emails more carefully before you commit to writing the posts.'

ENDS

ENDS

ENDS

...

Anything else?

I've got 125 lines of my big free verse poem. 95 of them are polished. I need to write another 30.

Well, I'm looking forward to writing some short poems after this.

Laters!

[No. 1,119]

And its a mystery[1], and aRound aRound here where else[1], and its a mystery[2], and I dont feel like it[1], and aRound aRound here where else[2], and why I go on and why Im allowed to go on[1], and I dont feel like it[2], and why do I ever feel[1], and why I go on and why Im allowed to go on[2], and if theres an end I want to see it I want to know where it is for the sake of my mental health[1], and why do I ever feel[2], and Im crazy man oh you know well done congratulations[1], and if theres an end I want to see it I want to know where it is for the sake of my mental health[2], and maybe when Im taken away[1], and Im crazy man oh you know well done congratulations[2], and everyone knows yippee yippee get the Jammie Dodgers[1], and maybe when Im taken away[2], and outside forever[1], and everyone knows yippee yippee get the Jammie Dodgers[2], and just left on a beach a windy beach with wind and rain all around me I may get some answers[1], and outside forever[2], and like a wet cake[1], and just left on a beach a windy beach with wind and rain all around me I may get some answers[2], and Im not getting my hopes up or anything[1], and like a wet cake[2], and singing all hysterical like a sad wet cake on the beach[1], and Im not getting my hopes up or anything[2], and sometimes I pray for the last thing[1], and singing all hysterical like a sad wet cake on the beach[2], and where are the final words final thoughts emotions images where are the final scenes[1], and sometimes I pray for the last thing[2], and I need[1], and where are the final words final thoughts emotions images where are the final scenes[2], and a nice curtain[1], and I need[2], and a basking shark out of its head on one of those big carrots will be the last thing I need[1], and a nice curtain[2], and that could make sense[1], and a basking shark out of its head on one of those big carrots will be the last thing I need[2], and if anyone knows my brain ha uh ha[1], and that could make sense[2], and you have done something to your brain all the experts will say[1], and if anyone knows my brain ha uh ha[2], and aRound aRound[1], and you have done something to your brain all the experts will say[2], and punctuation is a joke when youre down[1], and aRound aRound[2], and Im holding the spelling together I should be rewarded[1], and punctuation is a joke when youre down[2], and when the cosmos wants one thing from you and stupid people want something else[1], and Im holding the spelling together I should be rewarded[2], and Id love to know what you can do[1], and when the cosmos wants one thing from you and stupid people want something else[2], and I suppose you have to be willing to go to the other side with full honours[1], and Id love to know what you can do[2], and gotta be so ooo brave obviously[1], and I suppose you have to be willing to go to the other side with full honours[2], and well whatever[1], and gotta be so ooo brave obviously[2], and its a mystery[3], and well whatever[2], and aRound aRound here where else[3], and I dont feel like it[3], and why I go on and why Im allowed to go on[3], and why do I ever feel[3], and if theres an end I want to see it I want to know where it is for the sake of my mental health[3], and Im crazy man oh you know well done congratulations[3], and maybe when Im taken away[3], and everyone knows yippee yippee get the Jammie Dodgers[3], and outside forever[3], and just left on a beach a windy beach with wind and rain all around me I may get some answers[3], and like a wet cake[3], and Im not getting my hopes up or anything[3], and singing all hysterical like a sad wet cake on the beach[3], and sometimes I pray for the last thing[3], and where are the final words final thoughts emotions images where are the final scenes[3], and I need[3], and a nice curtain[3], and a basking shark out of its head on one of those big carrots will be the last thing I need[3], and that could make sense[3], and if anyone knows my brain ha uh ha[3], and you have done something to your brain all the experts will say[3], and aRound aRound[3], and punctuation is a joke when youre down[3], and Im holding the spelling together I should be rewarded[3], and when the cosmos wants one thing from you and stupid people want something else[3], and Id love to know what you can do[3], and I suppose you have to be willing to go to the other side with full honours[3], and gotta be so ooo brave obviously[3], and well whatever[3], and

And its a mystery[1], and aRound aRound here where else[1], and its a mystery[2], and I dont feel like it[1], and aRound aRound here where else[2], and why I go on and why Im allowed to go on[1], and I dont feel like it[2], and why do I ever feel[1], and why I go on and why Im allowed to go on[2], and if theres an end I want to see it I want to know where it is for the sake of my mental health[1], and why do I ever feel[2], and Im crazy man oh you know well done congratulations[1], and if theres an end I want to see it I want to know where it is for the sake of my mental health[2], and maybe when Im taken away[1], and Im crazy man oh you know well done congratulations[2], and everyone knows yippee yippee get the Jammie Dodgers[1], and maybe when Im taken away[2], and outside forever[1], and everyone knows yippee yippee get the Jammie Dodgers[2], and just left on a beach a windy beach with wind and rain all around me I may get some answers[1], and outside forever[2], and like a wet cake[1], and just left on a beach a windy beach with wind and rain all around me I may get some answers[2], and Im not getting my hopes up or anything[1], and like a wet cake[2], and singing all hysterical like a sad wet cake on the beach[1], and Im not getting my hopes up or anything[2], and sometimes I pray for the last thing[1], and singing all hysterical like a sad wet cake on the beach[2], and where are the final words final thoughts emotions images where are the final scenes[1], and sometimes I pray for the last thing[2], and I need[1], and where are the final words final thoughts emotions images where are the final scenes[2], and a nice curtain[1], and I need[2], and a basking shark out of its head on one of those big carrots will be the last thing I need[1], and a nice curtain[2], and that could make sense[1], and a basking shark out of its head on one of those big carrots will be the last thing I need[2], and if anyone knows my brain ha uh ha[1], and that could make sense[2], and you have done something to your brain all the experts will say[1], and if anyone knows my brain ha uh ha[2], and aRound aRound[1], and you have done something to your brain all the experts will say[2], and punctuation is a joke when youre down[1], and aRound aRound[2], and Im holding the spelling together I should be rewarded[1], and punctuation is a joke when youre down[2], and when the cosmos wants one thing from you and stupid people want something else[1], and Im holding the spelling together I should be rewarded[2], and Id love to know what you can do[1], and when the cosmos wants one thing from you and stupid people want something else[2], and I suppose you have to be willing to go to the other side with full honours[1], and Id love to know what you can do[2], and gotta be so ooo brave obviously[1], and I suppose you have to be willing to go to the other side with full honours[2], and well whatever[1], and gotta be so ooo brave obviously[2], and its a mystery[3], and well whatever[2], and aRound aRound here where else[3], and I dont feel like it[3], and why I go on and why Im allowed to go on[3], and why do I ever feel[3], and if theres an end I want to see it I want to know where it is for the sake of my mental health[3], and Im crazy man oh you know well done congratulations[3], and maybe when Im taken away[3], and everyone knows yippee yippee get the Jammie Dodgers[3], and outside forever[3], and just left on a beach a windy beach with wind and rain all around me I may get some answers[3], and like a wet cake[3], and Im not getting my hopes up or anything[3], and singing all hysterical like a sad wet cake on the beach[3], and sometimes I pray for the last thing[3], and where are the final words final thoughts emotions images where are the final scenes[3], and I need[3], and a nice curtain[3], and a basking shark out of its head on one of those big carrots will be the last thing I need[3], and that could make sense[3], and if anyone knows my brain ha uh ha[3], and you have done something to your brain all the experts will say[3], and aRound aRound[3], and punctuation is a joke when youre down[3], and Im holding the spelling together I should be rewarded[3], and when the cosmos wants one thing from you and stupid people want something else[3], and Id love to know what you can do[3], and I suppose you have to be willing to go to the other side with full honours[3], and gotta be so ooo brave obviously[3], and well whatever[3], and

And its a mystery[1], and aRound aRound here where else[1], and its a mystery[2], and I dont feel like it[1], and aRound aRound here where else[2], and why I go on and why Im allowed to go on[1], and I dont feel like it[2], and why do I ever feel[1], and why I go on and why Im allowed to go on[2], and if theres an end I want to see it I want to know where it is for the sake of my mental health[1], and why do I ever feel[2], and Im crazy man oh you know well done congratulations[1], and if theres an end I want to see it I want to know where it is for the sake of my mental health[2], and maybe when Im taken away[1], and Im crazy man oh you know well done congratulations[2], and everyone knows yippee yippee get the Jammie Dodgers[1], and maybe when Im taken away[2], and outside forever[1], and everyone knows yippee yippee get the Jammie Dodgers[2], and just left on a beach a windy beach with wind and rain all around me I may get some answers[1], and outside forever[2], and like a wet cake[1], and just left on a beach a windy beach with wind and rain all around me I may get some answers[2], and Im not getting my hopes up or anything[1], and like a wet cake[2], and singing all hysterical like a sad wet cake on the beach[1], and Im not getting my hopes up or anything[2], and sometimes I pray for the last thing[1], and singing all hysterical like a sad wet cake on the beach[2], and where are the final words final thoughts emotions images where are the final scenes[1], and sometimes I pray for the last thing[2], and I need[1], and where are the final words final thoughts emotions images where are the final scenes[2], and a nice curtain[1], and I need[2], and a basking shark out of its head on one of those big carrots will be the last thing I need[1], and a nice curtain[2], and that could make sense[1], and a basking shark out of its head on one of those big carrots will be the last thing I need[2], and if anyone knows my brain ha uh ha[1], and that could make sense[2], and you have done something to your brain all the experts will say[1], and if anyone knows my brain ha uh ha[2], and aRound aRound[1], and you have done something to your brain all the experts will say[2], and punctuation is a joke when youre down[1], and aRound aRound[2], and Im holding the spelling together I should be rewarded[1], and punctuation is a joke when youre down[2], and when the cosmos wants one thing from you and stupid people want something else[1], and Im holding the spelling together I should be rewarded[2], and Id love to know what you can do[1], and when the cosmos wants one thing from you and stupid people want something else[2], and I suppose you have to be willing to go to the other side with full honours[1], and Id love to know what you can do[2], and gotta be so ooo brave obviously[1], and I suppose you have to be willing to go to the other side with full honours[2], and well whatever[1], and gotta be so ooo brave obviously[2], and its a mystery[3], and well whatever[2], and aRound aRound here where else[3], and I dont feel like it[3], and why I go on and why Im allowed to go on[3], and why do I ever feel[3], and if theres an end I want to see it I want to know where it is for the sake of my mental health[3], and Im crazy man oh you know well done congratulations[3], and maybe when Im taken away[3], and everyone knows yippee yippee get the Jammie Dodgers[3], and outside forever[3], and just left on a beach a windy beach with wind and rain all around me I may get some answers[3], and like a wet cake[3], and Im not getting my hopes up or anything[3], and singing all hysterical like a sad wet cake on the beach[3], and sometimes I pray for the last thing[3], and where are the final words final thoughts emotions images where are the final scenes[3], and I need[3], and a nice curtain[3], and a basking shark out of its head on one of those big carrots will be the last thing I need[3], and that could make sense[3], and if anyone knows my brain ha uh ha[3], and you have done something to your brain all the experts will say[3], and aRound aRound[3], and punctuation is a joke when youre down[3], and Im holding the spelling together I should be rewarded[3], and when the cosmos wants one thing from you and stupid people want something else[3], and Id love to know what you can do[3], and I suppose you have to be willing to go to the other side with full honours[3], and gotta be so ooo brave obviously[3], and well whatever[3], and

The Yeats dream

You know, the Yeats/Heaney poetry battle on the beach?

Anyway, kooks ...

I've been thinking about it these last few days. I've had loads of great mystical dreams in my life, but this one was definitely the greatest, and most impressive - as a message.

However ...

Why wasn't I "allowed" to remember any of the lines of Yeats' new poem?

Well, it was clearly his poem, in his voice, and it was better than any poem he wrote while he was alive, so ... taking any of the lines for myself wouldn't have been "mystical inspiration", it would have been plain and simple plagiarism.

So, there it is.

But one interesting thing ... was Seamus Heaney's reaction to the poem. That is something I can remember very clearly: he was smiling and even laughing. I can see his face now.

He was in awe, even though Yeats was destroying him with words. What does this tell you, and me? Obviously, it was a VERY(!) great poem. We don't need to know the words. Heaney's reaction said it all.

And this is why I'm into poetry (again) in such a full and committed way. Not a dilettantish, half-hearted way.

Do you understand???

That was the intention of the dream.

And this dream came to me in the early hours of Christmas Day morning - as a present, no doubt.

Listen ...

Death is not the end.

You can write poetry when you're dead.

And ...

Your achievements in life will go on to your cosmic CV. 

That's for certain.

It's the only CV that matters, man - if you want to get ahead in lives.

I mean, just look at Yeats! He's having a wonderful time!

'Time of his lives, Mikey! But don't forget your astrologer.'

I haven't forgotten him, Voice.

He knew thirty years ago. Yes, I'm fifty-four, like he said I would be.

'Don't forget your circumstances.'

Christ! I haven't forgotten my circumstances! How could I? The ghost of Yeats, my astrologer, and my circumstances ... have all come together to push me in one direction.

'Orchestrated by the cosmos.'

Yes, yes, I know. Orchestrated by the cosmos. I'm not stupid, Voice. This isn't by my design. I didn't ask for this.

The cosmos has willed it!

BUT WHY?

If I didn't desire it ...

If I actually desired something else ...

Two things else: music, and conceptual literature.

WHY?!

That is the big question of the century, and ...

I have no answer.

...

Oh, by the way, I tried one of those artificial intelligence poetry generators on Saturday.

I started off by entering the titles of famous poems, and the robot created its own ludicrous versions of those poems.

'Ha!'

Then I entered original titles and themes that I made up, and ... that was a lot better.

'Oh.'

However, for you poets out there ... I think I know how we can smash these metal muthas into junk ...

'Yippee!'

Firstly, these robots seem to prefer traditional verse because of the rules they are able to follow with their programming, like. So ... it might be better to write mainly in free verse. With every free verse poem, the poet has to create their own plan or rules for that particular poem. It's difficult, but it's more artistically satisfying - as I've recently discovered. Also, it's harder for AI to compete with that.

Secondly, AI can't really "think", so it thinks in utterly conventional ways. Top poets can think in unconventional ways. So do that then. You've got to be "top" though, obviously.

Thirdly, these robots can't phrase-make for shit. (Can't think!) Nor can most poets - not at the highest level anyway. (Shakespeare!) So phrase-making becomes even more important. And you can check the originality of your phrases by Googling them and hopefully getting no results.

Fourthly, filler poems are dead now. Totally dead. Don't write them, man. Just don't bother.

If you fill, you won't kill ... the machines!

'You're a poet, Mikey!'

Yeah, yeah.

Laters.

...

You know, maybe the cosmos wants me to be the leader of the human resistance ...

Anything else?

Poetry?

I've got a PR email about vampires.

'Yippee!'

I'll do it next week, Voice.

Anyway ...

Instead of putting 40+ poems in each volume, it might be better to put thirty poems in each volume, BUT(!) ... make sure that three or four of those poems are BIG(!) free verse poems.

I mean, if I had ten or twelve poems like the "masterpiece" I'm presently working on, well ...

Ha!

It's like I said about Eliot. That's what he should have done ... and don't mention Four Quartets, please! Or Ash-Wednesday. FFS.

You know what I think great poetry is, kooks.

'Er ... Big Wednesday, boss?'

No, idiot. Point Break.

'Oh, okay.'

Anyway, I'll see how it goes. It all depends on how much time, energy, and inspiration I have in the future.

A lot depends on the beaches and the cliffs, you dig?

'And the Owlman. If he leaves you alone. Or helps you.'

Shut up.

I'll just say ...

Those 1,100 conceptuals have been a great warm-up for the writing of free verse poems.

They're different, obviously, but also similar. It's all about writing individual lines, you dig?

Anyway ...

I can't tell you the title of this poem.

It's too big for competitions, and might be too big for magazines - as an unknown poet.

Maybe - one day, when??? - I could send two small poems to a magazine, and put this big one in third place.

Or ... I could try to win a competition first. Maybe with those two other poems. I don't know.

This poem has definitely made a difference to my life though. I've just got to complete the final section. Maybe tomorrow night I'll quickly write a hundred lines. Just rough stuff.

Or Friday night.

'Tomorrow!'

I might be busy tomorrow.

'Tomorrow!'

Shut up.

Bye.

Poetry thoughts

Just thoughts, kooks.

I've bought an ebook from Google Play on poetry. You know, the rules and regulations, etc.

It's making me think I might not bother too much with becoming a technical master beyond the basics.

I'll become a great poet through the power of my language, the meaning of it, phrase-making and rhetoric, and finally ... the concentration and polish of it.

I'm going to use my instinct most of the time ... what feels right for a voice talking at any particular moment.

Like with my conceptuals, maybe.

People who think that metre can show a ship bouncing up and down on a stormy sea are just silly.

There are different kinds of poets, man, and you've got to play to your strengths.

So ... my best and most serious poems will probably be written in free verse BECAUSE ... I'll be "free" to do what I want.

However, freedom is hard, stressful.

I'll just be loose and, uh ... freewheeling with the traditional stuff.

I mean ... I don't know.

Who knows what I'll be writing twenty years from now?

I always like to push myself harder.

Dylan Thomas just counted syllables in his most mature poetry, apparently. That's rare in English poetry because of all the strong stresses.

Eliot definitely played to his strengths to beat Yeats with The Waste Land and The Hollow Men. / Pound for pound, and line for line, Yeats was the superior poet.

The Waste Land is really just great fragments put together in an impressive way. And it was Ezra Pound who did it ... sort of. I mean, he helped a lot. / Also, Eliot wanted to call the poem, He Do The Police In Different Voices. Which was a quote from Dickens. FFS.

His own worst enemy.

Cats!

I'll just say though ... the rough drafts of free verse poems cause me a lot of anxiety and pain, but I don't get that from traditional verse.

It's just the chaos, you know?

However, the artistic achievement of free verse is better - if you can make it work.

Just takes work, you dig?

That book was less than £5, but there's a Princeton one you can get for about £40. That's a bit expensive for me at the moment. It looks really good though. I'll get it when I can.

Anyway, a dozen big poems like the one I'm working on will do the trick.

Traditional verse is best for poems with one to fifty lines, I reckon.

Short free verse poems might not be substantial enough if you're using a lot of short lines.

I like short lines because they look good on the page. Also, short lines are best for the meaning. The impact.

Unless you need to say something with a long line, obviously. Don't worry about it.

Long traditional poems are boring. It's just stanza after stanza, ain't it? All the same, normally. So, don't go over eighty lines.

The Whitsun Weddings - eighty lines!

A Prayer for my Daughter - eighty lines!

Ode to a Nightingale - eighty lines!

Get the picture?

'Nice one!'

Laters.

By the way, A Prayer for my Daughter is a bit dodgy in regard to the subject matter, but it's the beauty and power of the language that counts.