My cunning plan

I'll get where I need to be with poetry. That's it, kooks. I can't do music now with the way things are. Even if things weren't the way they are ... it would still be difficult without a team. I realize that now. You know, a manager, or ... a Mick Ronson right-hand man type. Probably both. Definitely both.

Uh.

So be it.

It's actually destiny. My astrologer told me, but I wouldn't have it, would I? I thought I knew better.

Never mind.

I can do with poetry something that no one else seems to have thought of. And I can do it slowly ... one poem at a time.

People don't realize ... every poem can be special. Every poem is another chance. Every poem is a spear thrown at Darius.

Do you know what I mean?

And ... I have ten poems now! The latest is the shortest ... only eleven lines ... and I was worried about it: "Is this filler?"

But no! It's not. Sometimes you need to go small, you dig? This poem makes its point powerfully and quickly, and then it's over.

So I'm happy. I'm making progress. I'm a third of the way into my first volume - if I'm only doing thirty poems, that is.

And here's another thing: if there's not one bit of filler in a volume ... it's not much different from a big poem like The Waste Land that stays consistent over a lot of pages.

That's worth considering.

Yeah. I'm full of great ideas at the moment. That's what happens when I focus on something. Anything.

And listen! -

Call me crazy, but I've got to thank Billy for getting me started. Without that dream last Christmas ... there's absolutely no way I would be doing this. Why? It's given me a sense of certainty, and, yes ... of destiny. I have no doubt in me at all. / You have to understand that his new poem was better than any poem he wrote while he was alive. And it really was his poem. If I hadn't recognized Billy's face the way I did, I would have recognized the voice of the poem, the music of the words. It was unmistakable. And combine all that with Seamus smiling and laughing, even though he was being beaten, and badly ... you know? 

Best dream ever, man!

Laters!

[No. 1,138]

And, come on![1], and listen, you ... and learn[1], and, come on![2], and, uh ... is it you? ... I bloody well hope so![1], and listen, you ... and learn[2], and do YOU(!) know what I mean?[1], and, uh ... is it you? ... I bloody well hope so![2], and, anyway ...[1], and do YOU(!) know what I mean?[2], and listen to me ... ... ...[1], and, anyway ...[2], and every word can be a nightmare for any weak soul cowering in the light of a normal life[1], and listen to me ... ... ...[2], and just one word![1], and every word can be a nightmare for any weak soul cowering in the light of a normal life[2], and, seriously ... one word can be too much for them![1], and just one word![2], and they hate the fire[1], and, seriously ... one word can be too much for them![2], and they will come to you, shattered[1], and they hate the fire[2], and, well ... ... ...[1], and they will come to you, shattered[2], and, and, and ... Are you listening?![1], and, well ... ... ...[2], and if they beg for mercy ... show them none! / and what have they ever done for you, in their reality?[1], and, and, and ... Are you listening?![2], and ... 'Nothing!'[1], and if they beg for mercy ... show them none! / and what have they ever done for you, in their reality?[2], and it's a war ... a nasty one[1], and ... 'Nothing!'[2], and, but[1], and it's a war ... a nasty one[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND might be the only chance they have of getting some iron into their souls, but[1], and, but[2], and, but, but, BUT(!)[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND might be the only chance they have of getting some iron into their souls, but[2], and, Christ! ... listen to me, kooks ... sometimes you can't even lead a horse to water ... I mean ... a-ROUND[1], and, but, but, BUT(!)[2], and ... 'That's so true!'[1], and, Christ! ... listen to me, kooks ... sometimes you can't even lead a horse to water ... I mean ... a-ROUND[2], and ... sometimes, you have to shoot the horse ... out of kindness[1], and ... 'That's so true!'[2], and ... you know???[1], and ... sometimes, you have to shoot the horse ... out of kindness[2], and I don't know, really ... or I really do[1], and ... you know???[2], and it's just that ... there are so ooo many horses, man, and they're thirsty without even knowing it[1], and I don't know, really ... or I really do[2], and you can't help them[1], and it's just that ... there are so ooo many horses, man, and they're thirsty without even knowing it[2], and try giving them a little speech - to lift their spirits, like / and they will look at you like you're insane[1], and you can't help them[2], and, ha, ha, ha! ... 'The fools!'[1], and try giving them a little speech - to lift their spirits, like / and they will look at you like you're insane[2], and our supersanity means nothing to them, my kooks ... ... ... if you are a kook ... Why are you here ... ???[1], and, ha, ha, ha! ... 'The fools!'[2], and you don't need to answer that[1], and our supersanity means nothing to them, my kooks ... ... ... if you are a kook ... Why are you here ... ???[2], and I know, I know ... Remember, I'm a spiritual aristocrat[1], and you don't need to answer that[2], and how could you forget?[1], and I know, I know ... Remember, I'm a spiritual aristocrat[2], and not a prince, no ... but who needs to be one of those, these days ... in these degraded times?[1], and how could you forget?[2], and ... 'No one, Mikey!'[1], and not a prince, no ... but who needs to be one of those, these days ... in these degraded times?[2], and no no no ooo ooo ooo one eee - !!![1], and ... 'No one, Mikey!'[2], and no one[1], and no no no ooo ooo ooo one eee - !!![2], and, come on![3], and no one[2], and listen, you ... and learn[3], and, uh ... is it you? ... I bloody well hope so![3], and do YOU(!) know what I mean?[3], and, anyway ...[3], and listen to me ... ... ...[3], and every word can be a nightmare for any weak soul cowering in the light of a normal life[3], and just one word![3], and, seriously ... one word can be too much for them![3], and they hate the fire[3], and they will come to you, shattered[3], and, well ... ... ...[3], and, and, and ... Are you listening?![3], and if they beg for mercy ... show them none! / and what have they ever done for you, in their reality?[3], and ... 'Nothing!'[3], and it's a war ... a nasty one[3], and, but[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND might be the only chance they have of getting some iron into their souls, but[3], and, but, but, BUT(!)[3], and, Christ! ... listen to me, kooks ... sometimes you can't even lead a horse to water ... I mean ... a-ROUND[3], and ... 'That's so true!'[3], and ... sometimes, you have to shoot the horse ... out of kindness[3], and ... you know???[3], and I don't know, really ... or I really do[3], and it's just that ... there are so ooo many horses, man, and they're thirsty without even knowing it[3], and you can't help them[3], and try giving them a little speech - to lift their spirits, like / and they will look at you like you're insane[3], and, ha, ha, ha! ... 'The fools!'[3], and our supersanity means nothing to them, my kooks ... ... ... if you are a kook ... Why are you here ... ???[3], and you don't need to answer that[3], and I know, I know ... Remember, I'm a spiritual aristocrat[3], and how could you forget?[3], and not a prince, no ... but who needs to be one of those, these days ... in these degraded times?[3], and ... 'No one, Mikey!'[3], and no no no ooo ooo ooo one eee - !!![3], and no one[3], and

And, come on![1], and listen, you ... and learn[1], and, come on![2], and, uh ... is it you? ... I bloody well hope so![1], and listen, you ... and learn[2], and do YOU(!) know what I mean?[1], and, uh ... is it you? ... I bloody well hope so![2], and, anyway ...[1], and do YOU(!) know what I mean?[2], and listen to me ... ... ...[1], and, anyway ...[2], and every word can be a nightmare for any weak soul cowering in the light of a normal life[1], and listen to me ... ... ...[2], and just one word![1], and every word can be a nightmare for any weak soul cowering in the light of a normal life[2], and, seriously ... one word can be too much for them![1], and just one word![2], and they hate the fire[1], and, seriously ... one word can be too much for them![2], and they will come to you, shattered[1], and they hate the fire[2], and, well ... ... ...[1], and they will come to you, shattered[2], and, and, and ... Are you listening?![1], and, well ... ... ...[2], and if they beg for mercy ... show them none! / and what have they ever done for you, in their reality?[1], and, and, and ... Are you listening?![2], and ... 'Nothing!'[1], and if they beg for mercy ... show them none! / and what have they ever done for you, in their reality?[2], and it's a war ... a nasty one[1], and ... 'Nothing!'[2], and, but[1], and it's a war ... a nasty one[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND might be the only chance they have of getting some iron into their souls, but[1], and, but[2], and, but, but, BUT(!)[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND might be the only chance they have of getting some iron into their souls, but[2], and, Christ! ... listen to me, kooks ... sometimes you can't even lead a horse to water ... I mean ... a-ROUND[1], and, but, but, BUT(!)[2], and ... 'That's so true!'[1], and, Christ! ... listen to me, kooks ... sometimes you can't even lead a horse to water ... I mean ... a-ROUND[2], and ... sometimes, you have to shoot the horse ... out of kindness[1], and ... 'That's so true!'[2], and ... you know???[1], and ... sometimes, you have to shoot the horse ... out of kindness[2], and I don't know, really ... or I really do[1], and ... you know???[2], and it's just that ... there are so ooo many horses, man, and they're thirsty without even knowing it[1], and I don't know, really ... or I really do[2], and you can't help them[1], and it's just that ... there are so ooo many horses, man, and they're thirsty without even knowing it[2], and try giving them a little speech - to lift their spirits, like / and they will look at you like you're insane[1], and you can't help them[2], and, ha, ha, ha! ... 'The fools!'[1], and try giving them a little speech - to lift their spirits, like / and they will look at you like you're insane[2], and our supersanity means nothing to them, my kooks ... ... ... if you are a kook ... Why are you here ... ???[1], and, ha, ha, ha! ... 'The fools!'[2], and you don't need to answer that[1], and our supersanity means nothing to them, my kooks ... ... ... if you are a kook ... Why are you here ... ???[2], and I know, I know ... Remember, I'm a spiritual aristocrat[1], and you don't need to answer that[2], and how could you forget?[1], and I know, I know ... Remember, I'm a spiritual aristocrat[2], and not a prince, no ... but who needs to be one of those, these days ... in these degraded times?[1], and how could you forget?[2], and ... 'No one, Mikey!'[1], and not a prince, no ... but who needs to be one of those, these days ... in these degraded times?[2], and no no no ooo ooo ooo one eee - !!![1], and ... 'No one, Mikey!'[2], and no one[1], and no no no ooo ooo ooo one eee - !!![2], and, come on![3], and no one[2], and listen, you ... and learn[3], and, uh ... is it you? ... I bloody well hope so![3], and do YOU(!) know what I mean?[3], and, anyway ...[3], and listen to me ... ... ...[3], and every word can be a nightmare for any weak soul cowering in the light of a normal life[3], and just one word![3], and, seriously ... one word can be too much for them![3], and they hate the fire[3], and they will come to you, shattered[3], and, well ... ... ...[3], and, and, and ... Are you listening?![3], and if they beg for mercy ... show them none! / and what have they ever done for you, in their reality?[3], and ... 'Nothing!'[3], and it's a war ... a nasty one[3], and, but[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND might be the only chance they have of getting some iron into their souls, but[3], and, but, but, BUT(!)[3], and, Christ! ... listen to me, kooks ... sometimes you can't even lead a horse to water ... I mean ... a-ROUND[3], and ... 'That's so true!'[3], and ... sometimes, you have to shoot the horse ... out of kindness[3], and ... you know???[3], and I don't know, really ... or I really do[3], and it's just that ... there are so ooo many horses, man, and they're thirsty without even knowing it[3], and you can't help them[3], and try giving them a little speech - to lift their spirits, like / and they will look at you like you're insane[3], and, ha, ha, ha! ... 'The fools!'[3], and our supersanity means nothing to them, my kooks ... ... ... if you are a kook ... Why are you here ... ???[3], and you don't need to answer that[3], and I know, I know ... Remember, I'm a spiritual aristocrat[3], and how could you forget?[3], and not a prince, no ... but who needs to be one of those, these days ... in these degraded times?[3], and ... 'No one, Mikey!'[3], and no no no ooo ooo ooo one eee - !!![3], and no one[3], and

And, come on![1], and listen, you ... and learn[1], and, come on![2], and, uh ... is it you? ... I bloody well hope so![1], and listen, you ... and learn[2], and do YOU(!) know what I mean?[1], and, uh ... is it you? ... I bloody well hope so![2], and, anyway ...[1], and do YOU(!) know what I mean?[2], and listen to me ... ... ...[1], and, anyway ...[2], and every word can be a nightmare for any weak soul cowering in the light of a normal life[1], and listen to me ... ... ...[2], and just one word![1], and every word can be a nightmare for any weak soul cowering in the light of a normal life[2], and, seriously ... one word can be too much for them![1], and just one word![2], and they hate the fire[1], and, seriously ... one word can be too much for them![2], and they will come to you, shattered[1], and they hate the fire[2], and, well ... ... ...[1], and they will come to you, shattered[2], and, and, and ... Are you listening?![1], and, well ... ... ...[2], and if they beg for mercy ... show them none! / and what have they ever done for you, in their reality?[1], and, and, and ... Are you listening?![2], and ... 'Nothing!'[1], and if they beg for mercy ... show them none! / and what have they ever done for you, in their reality?[2], and it's a war ... a nasty one[1], and ... 'Nothing!'[2], and, but[1], and it's a war ... a nasty one[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND might be the only chance they have of getting some iron into their souls, but[1], and, but[2], and, but, but, BUT(!)[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND might be the only chance they have of getting some iron into their souls, but[2], and, Christ! ... listen to me, kooks ... sometimes you can't even lead a horse to water ... I mean ... a-ROUND[1], and, but, but, BUT(!)[2], and ... 'That's so true!'[1], and, Christ! ... listen to me, kooks ... sometimes you can't even lead a horse to water ... I mean ... a-ROUND[2], and ... sometimes, you have to shoot the horse ... out of kindness[1], and ... 'That's so true!'[2], and ... you know???[1], and ... sometimes, you have to shoot the horse ... out of kindness[2], and I don't know, really ... or I really do[1], and ... you know???[2], and it's just that ... there are so ooo many horses, man, and they're thirsty without even knowing it[1], and I don't know, really ... or I really do[2], and you can't help them[1], and it's just that ... there are so ooo many horses, man, and they're thirsty without even knowing it[2], and try giving them a little speech - to lift their spirits, like / and they will look at you like you're insane[1], and you can't help them[2], and, ha, ha, ha! ... 'The fools!'[1], and try giving them a little speech - to lift their spirits, like / and they will look at you like you're insane[2], and our supersanity means nothing to them, my kooks ... ... ... if you are a kook ... Why are you here ... ???[1], and, ha, ha, ha! ... 'The fools!'[2], and you don't need to answer that[1], and our supersanity means nothing to them, my kooks ... ... ... if you are a kook ... Why are you here ... ???[2], and I know, I know ... Remember, I'm a spiritual aristocrat[1], and you don't need to answer that[2], and how could you forget?[1], and I know, I know ... Remember, I'm a spiritual aristocrat[2], and not a prince, no ... but who needs to be one of those, these days ... in these degraded times?[1], and how could you forget?[2], and ... 'No one, Mikey!'[1], and not a prince, no ... but who needs to be one of those, these days ... in these degraded times?[2], and no no no ooo ooo ooo one eee - !!![1], and ... 'No one, Mikey!'[2], and no one[1], and no no no ooo ooo ooo one eee - !!![2], and, come on![3], and no one[2], and listen, you ... and learn[3], and, uh ... is it you? ... I bloody well hope so![3], and do YOU(!) know what I mean?[3], and, anyway ...[3], and listen to me ... ... ...[3], and every word can be a nightmare for any weak soul cowering in the light of a normal life[3], and just one word![3], and, seriously ... one word can be too much for them![3], and they hate the fire[3], and they will come to you, shattered[3], and, well ... ... ...[3], and, and, and ... Are you listening?![3], and if they beg for mercy ... show them none! / and what have they ever done for you, in their reality?[3], and ... 'Nothing!'[3], and it's a war ... a nasty one[3], and, but[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND might be the only chance they have of getting some iron into their souls, but[3], and, but, but, BUT(!)[3], and, Christ! ... listen to me, kooks ... sometimes you can't even lead a horse to water ... I mean ... a-ROUND[3], and ... 'That's so true!'[3], and ... sometimes, you have to shoot the horse ... out of kindness[3], and ... you know???[3], and I don't know, really ... or I really do[3], and it's just that ... there are so ooo many horses, man, and they're thirsty without even knowing it[3], and you can't help them[3], and try giving them a little speech - to lift their spirits, like / and they will look at you like you're insane[3], and, ha, ha, ha! ... 'The fools!'[3], and our supersanity means nothing to them, my kooks ... ... ... if you are a kook ... Why are you here ... ???[3], and you don't need to answer that[3], and I know, I know ... Remember, I'm a spiritual aristocrat[3], and how could you forget?[3], and not a prince, no ... but who needs to be one of those, these days ... in these degraded times?[3], and ... 'No one, Mikey!'[3], and no no no ooo ooo ooo one eee - !!![3], and no one[3], and

THE TRICK

Let's skip the PR email.

Let's go straight to Anything Else - !!!

'What PR email, boss?'

Any PR email, Voice. We'll do it tomorrow, or tomorrow, BUT(!) ... not tomorrow. Thursday at the latest.

'But which PR email, boss?'

FFS. Any PR email in the folder, Voice. Maybe I'll let you choose.

'Yippee!'

Actually, I think we might have a PDF that Lucky has been working on.

'Yippee! I want that one!'

Okay, okay.

Anyway ...

Anything else?

Yeah, I like it in that Hamlet film where Hamlet is coming out with his "I have of late ..." speech; and Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are looking at each other, as if to say: What's this guy going on about?

Ha!

And one of them was Barry from Auf Wiedersehen, Pet, of course. Which is funny because there's a scene in the second series (from the Eighties, obviously) where Barry is talking about Shakespeare, and Wayne and Moxey are looking at him, as if to say: What's this guy going on about?

Anyway ...

'That will be you, Mikey, reciting your poems.'

What do you mean, Voice?

'People will be looking at you like that.'

So?

I don't care.

Idiot.

'I'm not an idiot! I know what you're going on about.'

Well, good for you.

Anyway ...

Anything else?

Poetry?

I've still got nine poems. I haven't written anything new for three weeks. But maybe by the end of this week I'll have something.

I've just been looking through my poems, man, and thinking about my next move(s).

I want at least thirty poems by next March. If I don't win anything in the National Poetry Competition, at least I'll have loads of poems ready. I'm staying positive.

If my situation was sorted out, I could send that BIG ONE to Poetry Review now. But I just can't at the moment.

Actually, the other day, I found some old copies of Poetry Review in the back room - from thirty years ago!

They're a bit damp. That bloody rain!

Poetry Review doesn't really publish BIG poems much anyway. I mean, they need the space for as many poets as possible, I suppose.

But I'll be sending small poems as well. 

Eventually, like. Just not yet. I don't even know if I'm going to be out on the beaches and cliffs yet. I don't know anything about the future, you know?

Uh.

Do you know what I mean?

I'll just be writing about finance soon. Believe it.

'I believe you!'

Shut up.

Anyway ...

My BIG POEM helps. I've never had anything like that before. / I can't imagine I'll write a poem on the scale of The Waste Land. However, a dozen like the BIG ONE I've already got will do the trick, you dig?

'What trick, Mikey?'

You know what trick, Voice.

I don't have to spell it out, do I?

THE TRICK.

T-H-E-T-R-I-C-K.

Anyway ...

This is a finance blog.

Laters.

[No. 1,137]

And hello hello[1], and I am here and who are you[1], and hello hello[2], and I know everything of what I am and you or anyone dont need to say a word[1], and I am here and who are you[2], and not not not one you understand[1], and I know everything of what I am and you or anyone dont need to say a word[2], and however however[1], and not not not one you understand[2], and you probably dont understand you think you need to say something[1], and however however[2], and I say never mind to myself again[1], and you probably dont understand you think you need to say something[2], and I fear that you may be not YOU but you dont know a thing about yourself[1], and I say never mind to myself again[2], and is it you[1], and I fear that you may be not YOU but you dont know a thing about yourself[2], and youre possibly in the dark about how youve missed the mission weve all been given yes even you[1], and is it you[2], and if its not you Im talking about I apologize[1], and youre possibly in the dark about how youve missed the mission weve all been given yes even you[2], and you werent supposed to live for no reason with no purpose and bloody hell its like[1], and if its not you Im talking about I apologize[2], and like uh uh every soul gets to be human which is so ooo ridiculous obviously[1], and you werent supposed to live for no reason with no purpose and bloody hell its like[2], and man what have you done[1], and like uh uh every soul gets to be human which is so ooo ridiculous obviously[2], and do you know how many rats dream of taking your place and do you know or imagine the pigs[1], and man what have you done[2], and even the crows yes I should imagine but thats just me[1], and do you know how many rats dream of taking your place and do you know or imagine the pigs[2], and of course of course the dolphins wouldnt touch your wretched life with a bargepole ha ha ha[1], and even the crows yes I should imagine but thats just me[2], and theyre disgusted[1], and of course of course the dolphins wouldnt touch your wretched life with a bargepole ha ha ha[2], and the owls aint interested and forget the swans and forget Karajan the eagle hes happy if[1], and theyre disgusted[2], and even the pigs are having second thoughts[1], and the owls aint interested and forget the swans and forget Karajan the eagle hes happy if[2], and if if if the eagle him is still going strong I mean its unlikely[1], and even the pigs are having second thoughts[2], and the rats might change their minds soon Christ[1], and if if if the eagle him is still going strong I mean its unlikely[2], and cosmos knows what he is now or where he is now but thats not the point and its not the message[1], and the rats might change their minds soon Christ[2], and poor you[1], and cosmos knows what he is now or where he is now but thats not the point and its not the message[2], and the point[1], and poor you[2], and what a terrible waste[1], and the point[2], and is is is youre supposed to be something better than youve decided you seem to be happy with for[1], and what a terrible waste[2], and who who ooo ooo ooo knows what I dont know[1], and is is is youre supposed to be something better than youve decided you seem to be happy with for[2], and I give up with your sort if it is you[1], and who who ooo ooo ooo knows what I dont know[2], and please dont let it be you[1], and I give up with your sort if it is you[2], and hello hello[3], and please dont let it be you[2], and I am here and who are you[3], and I know everything of what I am and you or anyone dont need to say a word[3], and not not not one you understand[3], and however however[3], and you probably dont understand you think you need to say something[3], and I say never mind to myself again[3], and I fear that you may be not YOU but you dont know a thing about yourself[3], and is it you[3], and youre possibly in the dark about how youve missed the mission weve all been given yes even you[3], and if its not you Im talking about I apologize[3], and you werent supposed to live for no reason with no purpose and bloody hell its like[3], and like uh uh every soul gets to be human which is so ooo ridiculous obviously[3], and man what have you done[3], and do you know how many rats dream of taking your place and do you know or imagine the pigs[3], and even the crows yes I should imagine but thats just me[3], and of course of course the dolphins wouldnt touch your wretched life with a bargepole ha ha ha[3], and theyre disgusted[3], and the owls aint interested and forget the swans and forget Karajan the eagle hes happy if[3], and even the pigs are having second thoughts[3], and if if if the eagle him is still going strong I mean its unlikely[3], and the rats might change their minds soon Christ[3], and cosmos knows what he is now or where he is now but thats not the point and its not the message[3], and poor you[3], and the point[3], and what a terrible waste[3], and is is is youre supposed to be something better than youve decided you seem to be happy with for[3], and who who ooo ooo ooo knows what I dont know[3], and I give up with your sort if it is you[3], and please dont let it be you[3], and

And hello hello[1], and I am here and who are you[1], and hello hello[2], and I know everything of what I am and you or anyone dont need to say a word[1], and I am here and who are you[2], and not not not one you understand[1], and I know everything of what I am and you or anyone dont need to say a word[2], and however however[1], and not not not one you understand[2], and you probably dont understand you think you need to say something[1], and however however[2], and I say never mind to myself again[1], and you probably dont understand you think you need to say something[2], and I fear that you may be not YOU but you dont know a thing about yourself[1], and I say never mind to myself again[2], and is it you[1], and I fear that you may be not YOU but you dont know a thing about yourself[2], and youre possibly in the dark about how youve missed the mission weve all been given yes even you[1], and is it you[2], and if its not you Im talking about I apologize[1], and youre possibly in the dark about how youve missed the mission weve all been given yes even you[2], and you werent supposed to live for no reason with no purpose and bloody hell its like[1], and if its not you Im talking about I apologize[2], and like uh uh every soul gets to be human which is so ooo ridiculous obviously[1], and you werent supposed to live for no reason with no purpose and bloody hell its like[2], and man what have you done[1], and like uh uh every soul gets to be human which is so ooo ridiculous obviously[2], and do you know how many rats dream of taking your place and do you know or imagine the pigs[1], and man what have you done[2], and even the crows yes I should imagine but thats just me[1], and do you know how many rats dream of taking your place and do you know or imagine the pigs[2], and of course of course the dolphins wouldnt touch your wretched life with a bargepole ha ha ha[1], and even the crows yes I should imagine but thats just me[2], and theyre disgusted[1], and of course of course the dolphins wouldnt touch your wretched life with a bargepole ha ha ha[2], and the owls aint interested and forget the swans and forget Karajan the eagle hes happy if[1], and theyre disgusted[2], and even the pigs are having second thoughts[1], and the owls aint interested and forget the swans and forget Karajan the eagle hes happy if[2], and if if if the eagle him is still going strong I mean its unlikely[1], and even the pigs are having second thoughts[2], and the rats might change their minds soon Christ[1], and if if if the eagle him is still going strong I mean its unlikely[2], and cosmos knows what he is now or where he is now but thats not the point and its not the message[1], and the rats might change their minds soon Christ[2], and poor you[1], and cosmos knows what he is now or where he is now but thats not the point and its not the message[2], and the point[1], and poor you[2], and what a terrible waste[1], and the point[2], and is is is youre supposed to be something better than youve decided you seem to be happy with for[1], and what a terrible waste[2], and who who ooo ooo ooo knows what I dont know[1], and is is is youre supposed to be something better than youve decided you seem to be happy with for[2], and I give up with your sort if it is you[1], and who who ooo ooo ooo knows what I dont know[2], and please dont let it be you[1], and I give up with your sort if it is you[2], and hello hello[3], and please dont let it be you[2], and I am here and who are you[3], and I know everything of what I am and you or anyone dont need to say a word[3], and not not not one you understand[3], and however however[3], and you probably dont understand you think you need to say something[3], and I say never mind to myself again[3], and I fear that you may be not YOU but you dont know a thing about yourself[3], and is it you[3], and youre possibly in the dark about how youve missed the mission weve all been given yes even you[3], and if its not you Im talking about I apologize[3], and you werent supposed to live for no reason with no purpose and bloody hell its like[3], and like uh uh every soul gets to be human which is so ooo ridiculous obviously[3], and man what have you done[3], and do you know how many rats dream of taking your place and do you know or imagine the pigs[3], and even the crows yes I should imagine but thats just me[3], and of course of course the dolphins wouldnt touch your wretched life with a bargepole ha ha ha[3], and theyre disgusted[3], and the owls aint interested and forget the swans and forget Karajan the eagle hes happy if[3], and even the pigs are having second thoughts[3], and if if if the eagle him is still going strong I mean its unlikely[3], and the rats might change their minds soon Christ[3], and cosmos knows what he is now or where he is now but thats not the point and its not the message[3], and poor you[3], and the point[3], and what a terrible waste[3], and is is is youre supposed to be something better than youve decided you seem to be happy with for[3], and who who ooo ooo ooo knows what I dont know[3], and I give up with your sort if it is you[3], and please dont let it be you[3], and

And hello hello[1], and I am here and who are you[1], and hello hello[2], and I know everything of what I am and you or anyone dont need to say a word[1], and I am here and who are you[2], and not not not one you understand[1], and I know everything of what I am and you or anyone dont need to say a word[2], and however however[1], and not not not one you understand[2], and you probably dont understand you think you need to say something[1], and however however[2], and I say never mind to myself again[1], and you probably dont understand you think you need to say something[2], and I fear that you may be not YOU but you dont know a thing about yourself[1], and I say never mind to myself again[2], and is it you[1], and I fear that you may be not YOU but you dont know a thing about yourself[2], and youre possibly in the dark about how youve missed the mission weve all been given yes even you[1], and is it you[2], and if its not you Im talking about I apologize[1], and youre possibly in the dark about how youve missed the mission weve all been given yes even you[2], and you werent supposed to live for no reason with no purpose and bloody hell its like[1], and if its not you Im talking about I apologize[2], and like uh uh every soul gets to be human which is so ooo ridiculous obviously[1], and you werent supposed to live for no reason with no purpose and bloody hell its like[2], and man what have you done[1], and like uh uh every soul gets to be human which is so ooo ridiculous obviously[2], and do you know how many rats dream of taking your place and do you know or imagine the pigs[1], and man what have you done[2], and even the crows yes I should imagine but thats just me[1], and do you know how many rats dream of taking your place and do you know or imagine the pigs[2], and of course of course the dolphins wouldnt touch your wretched life with a bargepole ha ha ha[1], and even the crows yes I should imagine but thats just me[2], and theyre disgusted[1], and of course of course the dolphins wouldnt touch your wretched life with a bargepole ha ha ha[2], and the owls aint interested and forget the swans and forget Karajan the eagle hes happy if[1], and theyre disgusted[2], and even the pigs are having second thoughts[1], and the owls aint interested and forget the swans and forget Karajan the eagle hes happy if[2], and if if if the eagle him is still going strong I mean its unlikely[1], and even the pigs are having second thoughts[2], and the rats might change their minds soon Christ[1], and if if if the eagle him is still going strong I mean its unlikely[2], and cosmos knows what he is now or where he is now but thats not the point and its not the message[1], and the rats might change their minds soon Christ[2], and poor you[1], and cosmos knows what he is now or where he is now but thats not the point and its not the message[2], and the point[1], and poor you[2], and what a terrible waste[1], and the point[2], and is is is youre supposed to be something better than youve decided you seem to be happy with for[1], and what a terrible waste[2], and who who ooo ooo ooo knows what I dont know[1], and is is is youre supposed to be something better than youve decided you seem to be happy with for[2], and I give up with your sort if it is you[1], and who who ooo ooo ooo knows what I dont know[2], and please dont let it be you[1], and I give up with your sort if it is you[2], and hello hello[3], and please dont let it be you[2], and I am here and who are you[3], and I know everything of what I am and you or anyone dont need to say a word[3], and not not not one you understand[3], and however however[3], and you probably dont understand you think you need to say something[3], and I say never mind to myself again[3], and I fear that you may be not YOU but you dont know a thing about yourself[3], and is it you[3], and youre possibly in the dark about how youve missed the mission weve all been given yes even you[3], and if its not you Im talking about I apologize[3], and you werent supposed to live for no reason with no purpose and bloody hell its like[3], and like uh uh every soul gets to be human which is so ooo ridiculous obviously[3], and man what have you done[3], and do you know how many rats dream of taking your place and do you know or imagine the pigs[3], and even the crows yes I should imagine but thats just me[3], and of course of course the dolphins wouldnt touch your wretched life with a bargepole ha ha ha[3], and theyre disgusted[3], and the owls aint interested and forget the swans and forget Karajan the eagle hes happy if[3], and even the pigs are having second thoughts[3], and if if if the eagle him is still going strong I mean its unlikely[3], and the rats might change their minds soon Christ[3], and cosmos knows what he is now or where he is now but thats not the point and its not the message[3], and poor you[3], and the point[3], and what a terrible waste[3], and is is is youre supposed to be something better than youve decided you seem to be happy with for[3], and who who ooo ooo ooo knows what I dont know[3], and I give up with your sort if it is you[3], and please dont let it be you[3], and

They want 17,000 new aircraft

Man, who needs that? Really?

'It's crazy, boss.'

What is, Voice?

'Er ... what you're talking about.'

Yeah, and what am I talking about?

'Those people who want all those planes.'

What people?

'How the hell am I supposed to know?! I mean -'

All right, all right. Don't get upset.

Asia Pacific aviation sector to require over 17,000 new aircraft over next 20 years, according to experts.

You see?

'What experts?'

I don't know.

Hi Michael,

I hope you're doing well, please do let me know if you'd be interested in talking to Jared regarding the below.

No, I don't want to talk to anyone, but we're covering this PR email anyway. Aren't we, Voice?

'You bet!'

The exponential growth of intra-Asian trade, which now accounts for 58% of trade across the APAC region, is signalling the need to establish new infrastructure and supply chains means that transport and logistics as a focal point of intra-Asian investment, according to Jared Ailstock - Managing Partner of AIP Capital, a leading global aviation asset management and investment firm. According to Boeing's Commercial Market Outlook, passenger traffic growth the next 20 years of 5.3% per annum and accelerated retirement of older less fuel-efficient aircraft will see the Asia-Pacific region require over 17,000 new passenger and freighter aircraft - resulting in nearly $3.2 trillion for the aviation sector. Serving as testament to the economic opportunities for the sector, the IMF highlights growth in the Asia-Pacific region is projected to increase to 4.6%, compared to 0.8% in Europe or 2.2% in North America.

Reflecting the pivotal role the APAC region has to growing the aviation industry, Indian carrier IndiGo placed the largest order of aircraft ever recorded at the most recent Paris Air Show. Additionally, as of -

Yeah, okay. It's too early.

Uh.

Let's hear from the great man himself.

'Who?'

Jared.

'Is he great?'

Ha! I don't know. It's Monday morning. Don't give me grief.

Jared Ailstock, Managing Partner at AIP Capital, comments on why investors are increasingly turning to aviation:

Here we go!

"There is a lot of really different and attractive ways to get yield in the environment we are living in right now. I think a lot of people have looked at different parts of that market and said, 'Well, the risk/return in X, Y, Z investment is way better than aviation', and I think some of those participants wouldn't have said that a couple of years ago.

"Where we have seen success are folks that have either been coming into the space for the very first time, because they view the entry point as being a lot more attractive today because there isn't as much equity in the space, or guys who have been able to weather the storm and they view aviation as a core part of their strategy and they will continue to deploy equity throughout various cycles."

Oh, okay.

Thanks, Jared.

ENDS

ENDS

ENDS

...

Anything else? Poetry?

My BIG POEM - 156 lines???

Listen! I think my big poem has matured and taken on more reality in the couple of months since I stopped working on it.

It's a strange thing, man.

So, I'm saying it now ... It's the best poem since The Waste Land.

It's a grand speech, but also dramatic and visionary with things going on.

Yeah, yeah.

[It's why I've lost interest in music. Besides circumstances. You dig?]

But it can't compete with The Waste Land. That poem is on a bigger scale, has a better title - titles are really important - and it has a bigger theme: the emptiness of Western civilization.

My theme is personal. There's no harm in telling you, kooks: My poem is about the visionary dreams I often have.

So be it. 'It is what it is.' Exactly.

But the size ...

How big do you need to be???

Oh, I know. I know! Certain characters have written epic poems since The Waste Land. Much bigger poems! But I've taken a look at them, and ... they should have been novels, really.

We don't need epic poems in today's world. Do you understand?

Joyce was a bit pissed off with Eliot because he thought that The Waste Land was heavily "influenced" by Ulysses while eclipsing it somewhat in literary fame. And Ulysses is a much bigger work.

Size isn't everything though.

It's hard to explain.

Ezra Pound is the one who should have been pissed off. A poem twice the size called He Do The Police In Different Voices would have been a shitshow, frankly. But Pound and Eliot were friends, I suppose.

Anyway, literature is magic.

Can you explain magic???

Laters.

Kenneth Branagh's Hamlet

Wow! What a film, eh?! Have you seen it, kooks?

I bought it last night - for my phone, like. I've only watched an hour of it so far. Another three hours to go! I think I'll watch it on a loop, actually, because I'm looking for some new motivational material.

And it's giving me ideas now. I started to "rehearse" my poems last night with some real dramatic intensity, you dig? Not the way a poet would normally read their work. And it's made a big difference.

I reckon that Dylan Thomas was the best poet-reader of poems. However, he only read like a poet who had a great voice. I wouldn't say he read like an actor, or ... acted them out. Do you know what I mean? But that's what you've got to do!

Well, no. It takes a lot of nerve, I should imagine. Most poets won't be interested. But, me ... I'm fearless, man, and I don't really care what people think of me, so I'll be acting my poems. Big time. That style of reading suits my poems anyway because they're grand speeches. Crazy stuff!

Jesus H. - !!! I'm going to look pretty alien in this world, but so what? That's how I will get myself into stadiums, son, and daughter. Oh yes. I may have given up music, but I've still got a rock star mindset. I'm not giving that up. No way!

So, yeah, I'm going to watch the film on a loop, while cutting out all other entertainments and influences. 'Ha!' Yeah, yeah ... I've tried it all before, and failed, but I must try again. I must! I need something extreme for this emergency situation I'm in. Do you understand, kooks???

[Oh, you are a kook, aren't you? Come on!]

Now, uh ... hopefully, from next week, there will be no more mention of any of this. 'Ha!' Hopefully. / Can I control myself? Can I control this blog? Sixteen years, Christ! And there's never been any control, has there? I just don't know. But I must try.

I must do it!

ENDS

ENDS

ENDS

Laters!

'Bye, drama queens!'

Shut up, Voice.

POET or NOTHING - !!!

That's my final word on the subject.

Well, this is, this post, my final words on the subject.

And it won't be nothing. It can't be nothing.

Ten, twenty, thirty, forty years??? I don't know, and I don't care. 24/7, too. I never close. 365 days a year.

On the cliffs? On the beaches? In the lanes? Whatever!

At "home" ... for a while longer. Yeah, yeah. Wherever!

And you're wondering ...

How is it possible? How will it be possible?

Two ways.

Let me tell you: My personal anger, boiling over, like the guns of the Navarone. You understand, kooks? That's one way. Combined with a bit of desperation, like Alexander spotting Darius. It all helps. / The other way is ... spiritual forces in my corner. My astrologer? God knows where he is, but I know he's pulling the strings. He's arranged all this. Yeats? Just seven days after my situation changes ... he comes to me, dragging Heaney with him - to make a point, no doubt. Two great modern poets, Nobel Prize winners ... saying, "Come on, son. The time for games is over."

Well, I ain't playing.

I know, oh, I know how serious everything is.

I've listened, you see. I know what the cosmos wants now. Like the Karate Kid, I had no idea why I had to write all those lines, in conceptuals, and regular posts. No one told me the meaning of it. I was in the dark.

But the light has been turned on!

Music? Those tunes were just to humour me. I understand.

The lyrics just like poetry, that's what they really wanted. Yes, they tricked me, but I'm not angry.

I'm not angry - with them, I mean.

They only want what's best for me. Not like the living, you know? I can trust dead poets. And my astrologer already saved me once, from the chaos, years ago, but I don't talk about it. The hissing of hell, ha! Those who know will know. Some will imagine. So be it. I can't go back, only forward.

Yeats had his own troubles ... with that cretin Crowley. And I don't think he talked about that.

Anyway ...

The cosmos is pissed off. I can tell. Not with me. With the world, with people. Do you understand? Revenge is coming. Real subtle, real clever. I'm just an instrument. I don't mind, and it could be worse.

I could be normal. FFS.

And when my job is done? Well, I'm telling Yeats now, because he's the one with the power, the supernatural magician/poet ... I wanna be a cosmic dolphin, man! Flying through space, seeing all the stars, all the planets. Karajan became an eagle over the Alps. That was nice for him, sure. But I deserve more than that. After all my suffering, all my sacrifices.

And after what I'm going to do next ... ... ... that's not going to be a game of dominoes, is it?

DO YOU UNDERSTAND?

Come on!

Billy, let's make it happen!

Dr M., let's make it happen!

Cosmos, let's make it happen!

ENDS

ENDS

ENDS

Ah, it's only the beginning!

[No. 1,136] Ah, the title: After one and half million words, I must push words harder

Harder! And ... further! You dig?

And yes, yes[1], and I can't rest ... I can never rest[1], and yes, yes[2], and ... can you rest???[1], and I can't rest ... I can never rest[2], and squares can rest all they want[1], and ... can you rest???[2], and ... Come on, kook![1], and squares can rest all they want[2], and old plays can be thrown in the bin with old demo recordings ... who cares?![1], and ... Come on, kook![2], and you ... keep going![1], and old plays can be thrown in the bin with old demo recordings ... who cares?![2], and I'm on a really, really sacred mission this time, believe me[1], and you ... keep going![2], and just got to be ... circumstances, you understand[1], and I'm on a really, really sacred mission this time, believe me[2], and I don't know know what you're doing, exactly ... but there must be something[1], and just got to be ... circumstances, you understand[2], and there's always more work ... and bigger goals[1], and I don't know know what you're doing, exactly ... but there must be something[2], and don't tell me I've got the wrong idea about you ... no, no, no![1], and there's always more work ... and bigger goals[2], and, FFS - No![1], and don't tell me I've got the wrong idea about you ... no, no, no![2], and my lovely kook, seriously[1], and, FFS - No![2], and old poems from thirty years ago??? ... Man, I can hardly remember any of them[1], and my lovely kook, seriously[2], and only one, actually ... about clouds like ribs in the sky, Trelawne 1991[1], and old poems from thirty years ago??? ... Man, I can hardly remember any of them[2], and, yes, yes ... blog posts can stay ... regular and conceptual ... The Karate Kid years ... fine by me[1], and only one, actually ... about clouds like ribs in the sky, Trelawne 1991[2], and if you're tired ... it don't matter, son, daughter ... you need anger to push you along[1], and, yes, yes ... blog posts can stay ... regular and conceptual ... The Karate Kid years ... fine by me[2], and I'm getting pure, so ooo pure and powerful[1], and if you're tired ... it don't matter, son, daughter ... you need anger to push you along[2], and I'm full of fire, me![1], and I'm getting pure, so ooo pure and powerful[2], and you need to remember all the goons and the creeps from your life because[1], and I'm full of fire, me![2], and ... do YOU(!) believe?[1], and you need to remember all the goons and the creeps from your life because[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ...[1], and ... do YOU(!) believe?[2], and ... ... ... COME ON - !!![1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ...[2], and, listen ... my three best short poems (up to forty lines) are like speeches from ... you know?[1], and ... ... ... COME ON - !!![2], and I want more! Because ...[1], and, listen ... my three best short poems (up to forty lines) are like speeches from ... you know?[2], and every poem out of the thirty or the forty ... must be a killer[1], and I want more! Because ...[2], and the book must sell ... lots![1], and every poem out of the thirty or the forty ... must be a killer[2], and some killer words are more killer than others, obviously ... and another five or six or seven like those three?[1], and the book must sell ... lots![2], and ... YES - !!![1], and some killer words are more killer than others, obviously ... and another five or six or seven like those three?[2], and maybe one more big one - if I've got the energy ... Oh, I'll get the energy![1], and ... YES - !!![2], and, Christ ... ... ...[1], and maybe one more big one - if I've got the energy ... Oh, I'll get the energy![2], and are you digging this, man???[1], and, Christ ... ... ...[2], and yes, yes[3], and are you digging this, man???[2], and I can't rest ... I can never rest[3], and ... can you rest???[3], and squares can rest all they want[3], and ... Come on, kook![3], and old plays can be thrown in the bin with old demo recordings ... who cares?![3], and you ... keep going![3], and I'm on a really, really sacred mission this time, believe me[3], and just got to be ... circumstances, you understand[3], and I don't know know what you're doing, exactly ... but there must be something[3], and there's always more work ... and bigger goals[3], and don't tell me I've got the wrong idea about you ... no, no, no![3], and, FFS - No![3], and my lovely kook, seriously[3], and old poems from thirty years ago??? ... Man, I can hardly remember any of them[3], and only one, actually ... about clouds like ribs in the sky, Trelawne 1991[3], and, yes, yes ... blog posts can stay ... regular and conceptual ... The Karate Kid years ... fine by me[3], and if you're tired ... it don't matter, son, daughter ... you need anger to push you along[3], and I'm getting pure, so ooo pure and powerful[3], and I'm full of fire, me![3], and you need to remember all the goons and the creeps from your life because[3], and ... do YOU(!) believe?[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ...[3], and ... ... ... COME ON - !!![3], and, listen ... my three best short poems (up to forty lines) are like speeches from ... you know?[3], and I want more! Because ...[3], and every poem out of the thirty or the forty ... must be a killer[3], and the book must sell ... lots![3], and some killer words are more killer than others, obviously ... and another five or six or seven like those three?[3], and ... YES - !!![3], and maybe one more big one - if I've got the energy ... Oh, I'll get the energy![3], and, Christ ... ... ...[3], and are you digging this, man???[3], and

And yes, yes[1], and I can't rest ... I can never rest[1], and yes, yes[2], and ... can you rest???[1], and I can't rest ... I can never rest[2], and squares can rest all they want[1], and ... can you rest???[2], and ... Come on, kook![1], and squares can rest all they want[2], and old plays can be thrown in the bin with old demo recordings ... who cares?![1], and ... Come on, kook![2], and you ... keep going![1], and old plays can be thrown in the bin with old demo recordings ... who cares?![2], and I'm on a really, really sacred mission this time, believe me[1], and you ... keep going![2], and just got to be ... circumstances, you understand[1], and I'm on a really, really sacred mission this time, believe me[2], and I don't know know what you're doing, exactly ... but there must be something[1], and just got to be ... circumstances, you understand[2], and there's always more work ... and bigger goals[1], and I don't know know what you're doing, exactly ... but there must be something[2], and don't tell me I've got the wrong idea about you ... no, no, no![1], and there's always more work ... and bigger goals[2], and, FFS - No![1], and don't tell me I've got the wrong idea about you ... no, no, no![2], and my lovely kook, seriously[1], and, FFS - No![2], and old poems from thirty years ago??? ... Man, I can hardly remember any of them[1], and my lovely kook, seriously[2], and only one, actually ... about clouds like ribs in the sky, Trelawne 1991[1], and old poems from thirty years ago??? ... Man, I can hardly remember any of them[2], and, yes, yes ... blog posts can stay ... regular and conceptual ... The Karate Kid years ... fine by me[1], and only one, actually ... about clouds like ribs in the sky, Trelawne 1991[2], and if you're tired ... it don't matter, son, daughter ... you need anger to push you along[1], and, yes, yes ... blog posts can stay ... regular and conceptual ... The Karate Kid years ... fine by me[2], and I'm getting pure, so ooo pure and powerful[1], and if you're tired ... it don't matter, son, daughter ... you need anger to push you along[2], and I'm full of fire, me![1], and I'm getting pure, so ooo pure and powerful[2], and you need to remember all the goons and the creeps from your life because[1], and I'm full of fire, me![2], and ... do YOU(!) believe?[1], and you need to remember all the goons and the creeps from your life because[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ...[1], and ... do YOU(!) believe?[2], and ... ... ... COME ON - !!![1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ...[2], and, listen ... my three best short poems (up to forty lines) are like speeches from ... you know?[1], and ... ... ... COME ON - !!![2], and I want more! Because ...[1], and, listen ... my three best short poems (up to forty lines) are like speeches from ... you know?[2], and every poem out of the thirty or the forty ... must be a killer[1], and I want more! Because ...[2], and the book must sell ... lots![1], and every poem out of the thirty or the forty ... must be a killer[2], and some killer words are more killer than others, obviously ... and another five or six or seven like those three?[1], and the book must sell ... lots![2], and ... YES - !!![1], and some killer words are more killer than others, obviously ... and another five or six or seven like those three?[2], and maybe one more big one - if I've got the energy ... Oh, I'll get the energy![1], and ... YES - !!![2], and, Christ ... ... ...[1], and maybe one more big one - if I've got the energy ... Oh, I'll get the energy![2], and are you digging this, man???[1], and, Christ ... ... ...[2], and yes, yes[3], and are you digging this, man???[2], and I can't rest ... I can never rest[3], and ... can you rest???[3], and squares can rest all they want[3], and ... Come on, kook![3], and old plays can be thrown in the bin with old demo recordings ... who cares?![3], and you ... keep going![3], and I'm on a really, really sacred mission this time, believe me[3], and just got to be ... circumstances, you understand[3], and I don't know know what you're doing, exactly ... but there must be something[3], and there's always more work ... and bigger goals[3], and don't tell me I've got the wrong idea about you ... no, no, no![3], and, FFS - No![3], and my lovely kook, seriously[3], and old poems from thirty years ago??? ... Man, I can hardly remember any of them[3], and only one, actually ... about clouds like ribs in the sky, Trelawne 1991[3], and, yes, yes ... blog posts can stay ... regular and conceptual ... The Karate Kid years ... fine by me[3], and if you're tired ... it don't matter, son, daughter ... you need anger to push you along[3], and I'm getting pure, so ooo pure and powerful[3], and I'm full of fire, me![3], and you need to remember all the goons and the creeps from your life because[3], and ... do YOU(!) believe?[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ...[3], and ... ... ... COME ON - !!![3], and, listen ... my three best short poems (up to forty lines) are like speeches from ... you know?[3], and I want more! Because ...[3], and every poem out of the thirty or the forty ... must be a killer[3], and the book must sell ... lots![3], and some killer words are more killer than others, obviously ... and another five or six or seven like those three?[3], and ... YES - !!![3], and maybe one more big one - if I've got the energy ... Oh, I'll get the energy![3], and, Christ ... ... ...[3], and are you digging this, man???[3], and

And yes, yes[1], and I can't rest ... I can never rest[1], and yes, yes[2], and ... can you rest???[1], and I can't rest ... I can never rest[2], and squares can rest all they want[1], and ... can you rest???[2], and ... Come on, kook![1], and squares can rest all they want[2], and old plays can be thrown in the bin with old demo recordings ... who cares?![1], and ... Come on, kook![2], and you ... keep going![1], and old plays can be thrown in the bin with old demo recordings ... who cares?![2], and I'm on a really, really sacred mission this time, believe me[1], and you ... keep going![2], and just got to be ... circumstances, you understand[1], and I'm on a really, really sacred mission this time, believe me[2], and I don't know know what you're doing, exactly ... but there must be something[1], and just got to be ... circumstances, you understand[2], and there's always more work ... and bigger goals[1], and I don't know know what you're doing, exactly ... but there must be something[2], and don't tell me I've got the wrong idea about you ... no, no, no![1], and there's always more work ... and bigger goals[2], and, FFS - No![1], and don't tell me I've got the wrong idea about you ... no, no, no![2], and my lovely kook, seriously[1], and, FFS - No![2], and old poems from thirty years ago??? ... Man, I can hardly remember any of them[1], and my lovely kook, seriously[2], and only one, actually ... about clouds like ribs in the sky, Trelawne 1991[1], and old poems from thirty years ago??? ... Man, I can hardly remember any of them[2], and, yes, yes ... blog posts can stay ... regular and conceptual ... The Karate Kid years ... fine by me[1], and only one, actually ... about clouds like ribs in the sky, Trelawne 1991[2], and if you're tired ... it don't matter, son, daughter ... you need anger to push you along[1], and, yes, yes ... blog posts can stay ... regular and conceptual ... The Karate Kid years ... fine by me[2], and I'm getting pure, so ooo pure and powerful[1], and if you're tired ... it don't matter, son, daughter ... you need anger to push you along[2], and I'm full of fire, me![1], and I'm getting pure, so ooo pure and powerful[2], and you need to remember all the goons and the creeps from your life because[1], and I'm full of fire, me![2], and ... do YOU(!) believe?[1], and you need to remember all the goons and the creeps from your life because[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ...[1], and ... do YOU(!) believe?[2], and ... ... ... COME ON - !!![1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ...[2], and, listen ... my three best short poems (up to forty lines) are like speeches from ... you know?[1], and ... ... ... COME ON - !!![2], and I want more! Because ...[1], and, listen ... my three best short poems (up to forty lines) are like speeches from ... you know?[2], and every poem out of the thirty or the forty ... must be a killer[1], and I want more! Because ...[2], and the book must sell ... lots![1], and every poem out of the thirty or the forty ... must be a killer[2], and some killer words are more killer than others, obviously ... and another five or six or seven like those three?[1], and the book must sell ... lots![2], and ... YES - !!![1], and some killer words are more killer than others, obviously ... and another five or six or seven like those three?[2], and maybe one more big one - if I've got the energy ... Oh, I'll get the energy![1], and ... YES - !!![2], and, Christ ... ... ...[1], and maybe one more big one - if I've got the energy ... Oh, I'll get the energy![2], and are you digging this, man???[1], and, Christ ... ... ...[2], and yes, yes[3], and are you digging this, man???[2], and I can't rest ... I can never rest[3], and ... can you rest???[3], and squares can rest all they want[3], and ... Come on, kook![3], and old plays can be thrown in the bin with old demo recordings ... who cares?![3], and you ... keep going![3], and I'm on a really, really sacred mission this time, believe me[3], and just got to be ... circumstances, you understand[3], and I don't know know what you're doing, exactly ... but there must be something[3], and there's always more work ... and bigger goals[3], and don't tell me I've got the wrong idea about you ... no, no, no![3], and, FFS - No![3], and my lovely kook, seriously[3], and old poems from thirty years ago??? ... Man, I can hardly remember any of them[3], and only one, actually ... about clouds like ribs in the sky, Trelawne 1991[3], and, yes, yes ... blog posts can stay ... regular and conceptual ... The Karate Kid years ... fine by me[3], and if you're tired ... it don't matter, son, daughter ... you need anger to push you along[3], and I'm getting pure, so ooo pure and powerful[3], and I'm full of fire, me![3], and you need to remember all the goons and the creeps from your life because[3], and ... do YOU(!) believe?[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ...[3], and ... ... ... COME ON - !!![3], and, listen ... my three best short poems (up to forty lines) are like speeches from ... you know?[3], and I want more! Because ...[3], and every poem out of the thirty or the forty ... must be a killer[3], and the book must sell ... lots![3], and some killer words are more killer than others, obviously ... and another five or six or seven like those three?[3], and ... YES - !!![3], and maybe one more big one - if I've got the energy ... Oh, I'll get the energy![3], and, Christ ... ... ...[3], and are you digging this, man???[3], and

They don't think it's worth the money

And maybe they're right.

Hi Michael,

Hello ... who are you?!

'There's no name on the email, boss. It might be a ghost or something.'

What, like a voice from the astral plane? Don't be ridiculous, Voice. 

Nearly half of students don't think university is worth the money a new survey has revealed. 

Oh dear. Never mind.

With nearly three quarters saying they were shocked by the cost, more than half said they needed at least two different sources of money to go to university whether that be family support, personal savings, a part-time job or a student loan.

Man, what's the point?

Full release below.

Okay.

NEARLY HALF OF STUDENTS DON'T THINK UNIVERSITY IS WORTH THE MONEY.

All right! Don't shout!

'Boss, who is this?!'

I don't know. I really don't know.

'It's dodgy.'

A new survey by Quotezone.co.uk asked students across Great Britain about their experience at university during the cost-of-living crisis.

Quotezone.

'Mr Quote Zone?'

Shut up. Idiot.

The survey found that nearly half of the students involved in the study (42%) thought that university wasn't worth the money.

Nearly three quarters of students (72%) said they were shocked at how expensive university was. 59% of respondents said, considering fees, accommodation, transport and living expenses, they were paying around £10-20,000 yearly for university, with a further 9% saying it was costing them £20-25,000 a year.

When asked, how did they afford a university education, the top answer, with 32%, was a student loan. With 54% stating they needed more than one source of income to afford university, namely a combination of either family support, personal savings, a part-time job or a student loan.

Government data suggests that students are relying more on student loan payments than in previous years to pay for university. Of the £19.8 billion paid out in the form of Income Contingent Loans in financial year 2021-22, undergraduate borrowers received £18.9 billion (95.4% of all loans paid). This was a £0.9 billion increase (+ 5.0%) in comparison to the previous financial year.

The amount lent to undergraduates in the form of Tuition Fee Loans and Maintenance Loans has more than doubled since financial year 2013-14, from £9.0 billion (+ 109.6%).

With this in mind, Quotezone.co.uk is launching its annual Fintech Scholarship, designed to raise awareness of the vast career opportunities available within the fintech sector that help make university costs worthwhile.

Oh, okay.

The UK fintech sector is the top-ranking investment destination in Europe, with £3 billion venture capital attracted in 2020.  Accounting for 11% of the global industry and home to an estimated 2,500 firms, the UK fintech industry currently employs 76,500 people with this set to grow to 105,500 by 2030 – with a reputation for lucrative salaries and a wealth of benefits and development opportunities.

The application process for the scholarship involves submitting a blog or vlog post discussing any benefits and barriers they believe university education currently has as well as any benefits and barriers to pursuing a career in the fintech sector – to help shed some light on these important issues.

The winner of the scholarship will receive a £1000 bursary which can be used to help ease some study costs, or even course materials and living expenses. The winner will also get the option to take part in industry related work experience at Quotezone.co.uk – to help support the candidate with recruitment.

Listen, kooks, don't bother with any of this. Just become a poet living on your wits.

Commenting on the scholarship, Greg Wilson - 

'Is that him?!'

Who?!

'The guy who sent you the email.'

No. It's just some random guy they're quoting.

'Oh.'

Commenting on the scholarship, Greg Wilson - CEO at Quotezone.co.uk says: "The cost-of-living crisis is impacting everyone right now and students are one of the groups that have been hardest hit. Our survey results show significant financial pressures on students which has led to nearly half of them admitting they don't think university is worth the money.

"With this in mind, we wanted to use our scholarship initiative as a platform to highlight the opportunities available for students who invest in further education.  The fintech industry in Great Britain is expanding rapidly, with a wealth of well-paid opportunities for all students from all courses.

"Now in its fourth year, our fintech scholarship aims to support the winner with a financial prize as well as hands on experience to support them in their recruitment efforts – in the hope they consider this booming industry as a viable option for their career."

Yeah, right.

Thanks, Greg.

Ignore him though, reader(s).

Become a poet, like me. It's the best life, honestly.