Six lines of blankness

I haven't pushed it forward yet. I haven't wanted to. So, I've still got six lines. Yes, six lines of blankness that I stare at with a blank expression on my face.

Just meditating on it. A bit scared maybe.

Listen!

The cosmos has put me under pressure. I didn't choose the title. I didn't choose the subject matter. I can't really remember writing those six lines. I don't know how I was feeling. I don't know how I was thinking. Can't remember! It just all came to me. Some sort of gift, I suppose, but a gift with massive pressure.

It's my responsibility now to write a GREAT(!) poem. I must write another thirty lines of blankness.

And make no mistake: this is a once in a lifetime opportunity.

'Many lifetimes, Mikey. Do you think other poets have been offered this shit?! Wake up! And think again.'

Okay, okay. Thank you, Voice. I will think again.

This is a once in a trillion years opportunity. Talk about pressure!

'Ha, ha, ha!'

What, Voice?! FFS!

'You asked for it. You got it, man. It's no use crying now.'

All right. Idiot. I'm not crying!

[Did I ask for it???]

Anyway ...

I'm looking forward to writing those ten short free verse poems, like the two I've already got. They won't be easy, but ... you know? Don't worry about it.

'I'm not worried. You should be worried.'

I wasn't talking to you. I was talking to the kooks, and myself.

'Fair enough.'

This voice, really.

I just ...

Oh, Voice, what are you doing this Christmas?

'I'll be eating loads of mince pies on the astral plane.'

Oh.

'What will you be doing, boss? Eating loads of mince pies in the world?'

I'm on a diet. Well, I'm supposed to be on a diet.

'Why?! You're not going to be a rock star any more!'

You know why, Voice. There are many different kinds of stars.

'Of course. Sorry, I forgot.'

It's all right.

Listen ...

'I'm listening!'

Not you.

Listen ...

What I'm going to do will be unique. No one has ever done it. And it wasn't even my choice. The cosmos, and Billy, and Dr M wanted it.

I want it? Yeah, yeah. Ha! My life, eh?

Well, I have to admit I was sceptical at first, but I'm totally onboard with it now. They've convinced me.

Laters.

[No. 1,154] Plan A B C D E F G H I J ...

And well[1], and I dont know man[1], and well[2], and do you[1], and I dont know man[2], and yeah yeah yeah[1], and do you[2], and to be honest I think the cosmos laughs at my plans do you know what I mean[1], and yeah yeah yeah[2], and uh yours too obviously[1], and to be honest I think the cosmos laughs at my plans do you know what I mean[2], and aRound aRound who cares so dizzy aRound[1], and uh yours too obviously[2], and uh uh[1], and aRound aRound who cares so dizzy aRound[2], and its the cosmos maybe thats got plans for me with Billy and Dr M helping out I suppose I dont mind[1], and uh uh[2], and I cant decide let them decide[1], and its the cosmos maybe thats got plans for me with Billy and Dr M helping out I suppose I dont mind[2], and theyre saying now those astronomer bastards that the universe is billions of years older than we all thought or were told[1], and I cant decide let them decide[2], and I cant imagine how many more galaxies[1], and theyre saying now those astronomer bastards that the universe is billions of years older than we all thought or were told[2], and the thing is with the right sort of promotion we could see all of it flying like dolphins[1], and I cant imagine how many more galaxies[2], and wont that be nice yes yes yes[1], and the thing is with the right sort of promotion we could see all of it flying like dolphins[2], and if youre coming with me at the end well well maybe you need to get moving with your own goals just saying[1], and wont that be nice yes yes yes[2], and or or or think youre coming remains to be seen[1], and if youre coming with me at the end well well maybe you need to get moving with your own goals just saying[2], and Ill see you coming no doubt with some sort of crazy astral eyes and then the world will be forgotten[1], and or or or think youre coming remains to be seen[2], and our world awful aint it[1], and Ill see you coming no doubt with some sort of crazy astral eyes and then the world will be forgotten[2], and and and my poems will live on thank the cosmos and Billy and Dr M because I got no time for cushions[1], and our world awful aint it[2], and thats the truth[1], and and and my poems will live on thank the cosmos and Billy and Dr M because I got no time for cushions[2], and ha ha ha I cant have cushions now because its a hard life where you must achieve[1], and thats the truth[2], and no priest will tell you that[1], and ha ha ha I cant have cushions now because its a hard life where you must achieve[2], and listen listen ah listen to me I know these things how oh how I'm so ooo ooo ooo connected you dig[1], and no priest will tell you that[2], and I know things that atheists and religious sorts dont[1], and listen listen ah listen to me I know these things how oh how I'm so ooo ooo ooo connected you dig[2], and oh yes believe[1], and I know things that atheists and religious sorts dont[2], and so you open your soul you you[1], and oh yes believe[2], and come on come on[1], and so you open your soul you you[2], and well[3], and come on come on[2], and I dont know man[3], and do you[3], and yeah yeah yeah[3], and to be honest I think the cosmos laughs at my plans do you know what I mean[3], and uh yours too obviously[3], and aRound aRound who cares so dizzy aRound[3], and uh uh[3], and its the cosmos maybe thats got plans for me with Billy and Dr M helping out I suppose I dont mind[3], and I cant decide let them decide[3], and theyre saying now those astronomer bastards that the universe is billions of years older than we all thought or were told[3], and I cant imagine how many more galaxies[3], and the thing is with the right sort of promotion we could see all of it flying like dolphins[3], and wont that be nice yes yes yes[3], and if youre coming with me at the end well well maybe you need to get moving with your own goals just saying[3], and or or or think youre coming remains to be seen[3], and Ill see you coming no doubt with some sort of crazy astral eyes and then the world will be forgotten[3], and our world awful aint it[3], and and and my poems will live on thank the cosmos and Billy and Dr M because I got no time for cushions[3], and thats the truth[3], and ha ha ha I cant have cushions now because its a hard life where you must achieve[3], and no priest will tell you that[3], and listen listen ah listen to me I know these things how oh how I'm so ooo ooo ooo connected you dig[3], and I know things that atheists and religious sorts dont[3], and oh yes believe[3], and so you open your soul you you[3], and come on come on[3], and

And well[1], and I dont know man[1], and well[2], and do you[1], and I dont know man[2], and yeah yeah yeah[1], and do you[2], and to be honest I think the cosmos laughs at my plans do you know what I mean[1], and yeah yeah yeah[2], and uh yours too obviously[1], and to be honest I think the cosmos laughs at my plans do you know what I mean[2], and aRound aRound who cares so dizzy aRound[1], and uh yours too obviously[2], and uh uh[1], and aRound aRound who cares so dizzy aRound[2], and its the cosmos maybe thats got plans for me with Billy and Dr M helping out I suppose I dont mind[1], and uh uh[2], and I cant decide let them decide[1], and its the cosmos maybe thats got plans for me with Billy and Dr M helping out I suppose I dont mind[2], and theyre saying now those astronomer bastards that the universe is billions of years older than we all thought or were told[1], and I cant decide let them decide[2], and I cant imagine how many more galaxies[1], and theyre saying now those astronomer bastards that the universe is billions of years older than we all thought or were told[2], and the thing is with the right sort of promotion we could see all of it flying like dolphins[1], and I cant imagine how many more galaxies[2], and wont that be nice yes yes yes[1], and the thing is with the right sort of promotion we could see all of it flying like dolphins[2], and if youre coming with me at the end well well maybe you need to get moving with your own goals just saying[1], and wont that be nice yes yes yes[2], and or or or think youre coming remains to be seen[1], and if youre coming with me at the end well well maybe you need to get moving with your own goals just saying[2], and Ill see you coming no doubt with some sort of crazy astral eyes and then the world will be forgotten[1], and or or or think youre coming remains to be seen[2], and our world awful aint it[1], and Ill see you coming no doubt with some sort of crazy astral eyes and then the world will be forgotten[2], and and and my poems will live on thank the cosmos and Billy and Dr M because I got no time for cushions[1], and our world awful aint it[2], and thats the truth[1], and and and my poems will live on thank the cosmos and Billy and Dr M because I got no time for cushions[2], and ha ha ha I cant have cushions now because its a hard life where you must achieve[1], and thats the truth[2], and no priest will tell you that[1], and ha ha ha I cant have cushions now because its a hard life where you must achieve[2], and listen listen ah listen to me I know these things how oh how I'm so ooo ooo ooo connected you dig[1], and no priest will tell you that[2], and I know things that atheists and religious sorts dont[1], and listen listen ah listen to me I know these things how oh how I'm so ooo ooo ooo connected you dig[2], and oh yes believe[1], and I know things that atheists and religious sorts dont[2], and so you open your soul you you[1], and oh yes believe[2], and come on come on[1], and so you open your soul you you[2], and well[3], and come on come on[2], and I dont know man[3], and do you[3], and yeah yeah yeah[3], and to be honest I think the cosmos laughs at my plans do you know what I mean[3], and uh yours too obviously[3], and aRound aRound who cares so dizzy aRound[3], and uh uh[3], and its the cosmos maybe thats got plans for me with Billy and Dr M helping out I suppose I dont mind[3], and I cant decide let them decide[3], and theyre saying now those astronomer bastards that the universe is billions of years older than we all thought or were told[3], and I cant imagine how many more galaxies[3], and the thing is with the right sort of promotion we could see all of it flying like dolphins[3], and wont that be nice yes yes yes[3], and if youre coming with me at the end well well maybe you need to get moving with your own goals just saying[3], and or or or think youre coming remains to be seen[3], and Ill see you coming no doubt with some sort of crazy astral eyes and then the world will be forgotten[3], and our world awful aint it[3], and and and my poems will live on thank the cosmos and Billy and Dr M because I got no time for cushions[3], and thats the truth[3], and ha ha ha I cant have cushions now because its a hard life where you must achieve[3], and no priest will tell you that[3], and listen listen ah listen to me I know these things how oh how I'm so ooo ooo ooo connected you dig[3], and I know things that atheists and religious sorts dont[3], and oh yes believe[3], and so you open your soul you you[3], and come on come on[3], and

And well[1], and I dont know man[1], and well[2], and do you[1], and I dont know man[2], and yeah yeah yeah[1], and do you[2], and to be honest I think the cosmos laughs at my plans do you know what I mean[1], and yeah yeah yeah[2], and uh yours too obviously[1], and to be honest I think the cosmos laughs at my plans do you know what I mean[2], and aRound aRound who cares so dizzy aRound[1], and uh yours too obviously[2], and uh uh[1], and aRound aRound who cares so dizzy aRound[2], and its the cosmos maybe thats got plans for me with Billy and Dr M helping out I suppose I dont mind[1], and uh uh[2], and I cant decide let them decide[1], and its the cosmos maybe thats got plans for me with Billy and Dr M helping out I suppose I dont mind[2], and theyre saying now those astronomer bastards that the universe is billions of years older than we all thought or were told[1], and I cant decide let them decide[2], and I cant imagine how many more galaxies[1], and theyre saying now those astronomer bastards that the universe is billions of years older than we all thought or were told[2], and the thing is with the right sort of promotion we could see all of it flying like dolphins[1], and I cant imagine how many more galaxies[2], and wont that be nice yes yes yes[1], and the thing is with the right sort of promotion we could see all of it flying like dolphins[2], and if youre coming with me at the end well well maybe you need to get moving with your own goals just saying[1], and wont that be nice yes yes yes[2], and or or or think youre coming remains to be seen[1], and if youre coming with me at the end well well maybe you need to get moving with your own goals just saying[2], and Ill see you coming no doubt with some sort of crazy astral eyes and then the world will be forgotten[1], and or or or think youre coming remains to be seen[2], and our world awful aint it[1], and Ill see you coming no doubt with some sort of crazy astral eyes and then the world will be forgotten[2], and and and my poems will live on thank the cosmos and Billy and Dr M because I got no time for cushions[1], and our world awful aint it[2], and thats the truth[1], and and and my poems will live on thank the cosmos and Billy and Dr M because I got no time for cushions[2], and ha ha ha I cant have cushions now because its a hard life where you must achieve[1], and thats the truth[2], and no priest will tell you that[1], and ha ha ha I cant have cushions now because its a hard life where you must achieve[2], and listen listen ah listen to me I know these things how oh how I'm so ooo ooo ooo connected you dig[1], and no priest will tell you that[2], and I know things that atheists and religious sorts dont[1], and listen listen ah listen to me I know these things how oh how I'm so ooo ooo ooo connected you dig[2], and oh yes believe[1], and I know things that atheists and religious sorts dont[2], and so you open your soul you you[1], and oh yes believe[2], and come on come on[1], and so you open your soul you you[2], and well[3], and come on come on[2], and I dont know man[3], and do you[3], and yeah yeah yeah[3], and to be honest I think the cosmos laughs at my plans do you know what I mean[3], and uh yours too obviously[3], and aRound aRound who cares so dizzy aRound[3], and uh uh[3], and its the cosmos maybe thats got plans for me with Billy and Dr M helping out I suppose I dont mind[3], and I cant decide let them decide[3], and theyre saying now those astronomer bastards that the universe is billions of years older than we all thought or were told[3], and I cant imagine how many more galaxies[3], and the thing is with the right sort of promotion we could see all of it flying like dolphins[3], and wont that be nice yes yes yes[3], and if youre coming with me at the end well well maybe you need to get moving with your own goals just saying[3], and or or or think youre coming remains to be seen[3], and Ill see you coming no doubt with some sort of crazy astral eyes and then the world will be forgotten[3], and our world awful aint it[3], and and and my poems will live on thank the cosmos and Billy and Dr M because I got no time for cushions[3], and thats the truth[3], and ha ha ha I cant have cushions now because its a hard life where you must achieve[3], and no priest will tell you that[3], and listen listen ah listen to me I know these things how oh how I'm so ooo ooo ooo connected you dig[3], and I know things that atheists and religious sorts dont[3], and oh yes believe[3], and so you open your soul you you[3], and come on come on[3], and

LSEG Lipper: European fund flow report - October 2023

Well, well, well. This is a turn-up for the book, ain't it?

The promoters of mutual funds in Europe faced outflows for October (-€19.0 bn) while the promoters of ETFs enjoyed estimated net inflows (+€15.2 bn).

Long-term products (-€45.0 bn) faced outflows for the month as well as over the course of 2023 year to date (-€27.6 bn). Conversely, money market products enjoyed inflows for October (+€41.3 bn) and for the first 10 months of 2023 (+€85.8 bn).

Money market products (+€41.3 bn) enjoyed the highest estimated net inflows for the month, while bond products (+€110.5 bn) were the best-selling asset type for 2023 so far.

In My Life.

The best-selling Lipper global classification for October was Money Market EUR (+€30.1 bn), followed by Money Market USD (+€6.7 bn) and Target Maturity Bond EUR (+€5.8 bn).

JPMorgan was the best-selling fund promoter in Europe for October (+€7.1 bn), while BlackRock (+€64.4 bn) was the best-selling fund promoter for the year 2023 so far.

Okay. Okay.

Detlef Glow, Head of EMEA Research at LSEG Lipper, comments: "The European fund industry witnessed overall outflows over the course of October 2023. These outflows occurred in a further unstable market environment in which some asset classes nevertheless showed positive results while others performed negatively. That said, especially equity indices faced a drawback over the course of the month, which contributed to the overall cautious sentiment of European investors. More generally, the market sentiment in October was also driven by hopes that central banks - especially the U.S. Federal Reserve - may have reached the last phase of its fight against high and further increasing inflation rates and may, therefore, start to keep interest rates at least stable quite soon. Some investors already think there might be room for decreasing interest rates later this year, which might be reflected by the estimated inflows in bond ETFs.

"Nevertheless, these estimates are under scrutiny since the Fed seems to be further in a hawkish mode, as the rate outlook still includes potentially an additional rate hike this year and fewer rate cuts in 2024. Also, there are still some concerns about geopolitical tensions and the continuing normalization of disrupted delivery chains, as well as the continued possibility of recession in the U.S. and other major economies around the globe. These fears are raised by inverted yield curves, which are seen as an early indicator for a possible recession."

Detlef ... don't be a stranger, eh?

ENDS

...

Anything else? Poetry?

I've got a plan. Let's hope I can stick to it.

'What's the plan, boss?'

Uh. If you hang on a moment, Voice, I'll tell you. I'll tell everyone.

'All right, don't get upset.'

I'm not upset!

Anyway. Yeah. Here's the plan to get twenty poems before Christmas, meaning I've got to write eleven.

I'll work 24/7 - when I'm not blogging, like, or doing other shit that needs to be done. I'll finish my blank verse poem. That one has got to be a masterpiece. And then I'll write ten short free verse poems, up to roughly forty lines in length, maybe 150 to 220 words, or something like that. You dig? I have two poems like that. I put one of them in the competition. It's pretty intense. The other one is cool as well.

Anyway ...

Yeah, that's my plan.

I just need the world to leave me alone for a few weeks.

'Ha!'

Laters.

[No. 1,153] Uh yippee

No, it's not a fresh start. How many times do I need to tell you people? There are no fresh starts. Learn from me.

And come on[1], and its a fresh start[1], and come on[2], and yeah yeah[1], and its a fresh start[2], and is it it is yes it must be[1], and yeah yeah[2], and I know Im not deluded man[1], and is it it is yes it must be[2], and now its all PR emails obviously except for this obviously because we still need to get dizzy dont we[1], and I know Im not deluded man[2], and do we[1], and now its all PR emails obviously except for this obviously because we still need to get dizzy dont we[2], and we do I know we do yes[1], and do we[2], and ah come on[1], and we do I know we do yes[2], and keep believing in the dizzy life all aRound because uh uh I dont know I guess were addicted[1], and ah come on[2], and our brains are a mess[1], and keep believing in the dizzy life all aRound because uh uh I dont know I guess were addicted[2], and we cant do the finance stuff endlessly I cant even remember the last time we got money aRound[1], and our brains are a mess[2], and can you[1], and we cant do the finance stuff endlessly I cant even remember the last time we got money aRound[2], and or or or got the financial workers here[1], and can you[2], and theyre all busy or something square stuff ha ha ha[1], and or or or got the financial workers here[2], and were happy as we are[1], and theyre all busy or something square stuff ha ha ha[2], and its better for us if were alone together all kooks together such a great elite eh true kings and queens maybe[1], and were happy as we are[2], and anyway anyway[1], and its better for us if were alone together all kooks together such a great elite eh true kings and queens maybe[2], and words words words keep coming and they will never stop ----- or spun like this there will always be words[1], and anyway anyway[2], and imagine the silence I cant[1], and words words words keep coming and they will never stop ----- or spun like this there will always be words[2], and listen there may be chaos here that we have to deal with but I swear Im controlling the ----s[1], and imagine the silence I cant[2], and because because I[1], and listen there may be chaos here that we have to deal with but I swear Im controlling the ----s[2], and yeah yeah it takes a lot of energy and a lot of willpower and it aint easy but it must be done must be[1], and because because I[2], and must it yes[1], and yeah yeah it takes a lot of energy and a lot of willpower and it aint easy but it must be done must be[2], and this is some sort of I dont know what actually I cant say its a relief because chaos disturbs our peace[1], and must it yes[2], and words are difficult in all ways[1], and this is some sort of I dont know what actually I cant say its a relief because chaos disturbs our peace[2], and uh uh no squares here I presume you all know what I mean and just think[1], and words are difficult in all ways[2], and its nearly Christmas yippee[1], and uh uh no squares here I presume you all know what I mean and just think[2], and come on[3], and its nearly Christmas yippee[2], and its a fresh start[3], and yeah yeah[3], and is it it is yes it must be[3], and I know Im not deluded man[3], and now its all PR emails obviously except for this obviously because we still need to get dizzy dont we[3], and do we[3], and we do I know we do yes[3], and ah come on[3], and keep believing in the dizzy life all aRound because uh uh I dont know I guess were addicted[3], and our brains are a mess[3], and we cant do the finance stuff endlessly I cant even remember the last time we got money aRound[3], and can you[3], and or or or got the financial workers here[3], and theyre all busy or something square stuff ha ha ha[3], and were happy as we are[3], and its better for us if were alone together all kooks together such a great elite eh true kings and queens maybe[3], and anyway anyway[3], and words words words keep coming and they will never stop ----- or spun like this there will always be words[3], and imagine the silence I cant[3], and listen there may be chaos here that we have to deal with but I swear Im controlling the ----s[3], and because because I[3], and yeah yeah it takes a lot of energy and a lot of willpower and it aint easy but it must be done must be[3], and must it yes[3], and this is some sort of I dont know what actually I cant say its a relief because chaos disturbs our peace[3], and words are difficult in all ways[3], and uh uh no squares here I presume you all know what I mean and just think[3], and its nearly Christmas yippee[3], and

And come on[1], and its a fresh start[1], and come on[2], and yeah yeah[1], and its a fresh start[2], and is it it is yes it must be[1], and yeah yeah[2], and I know Im not deluded man[1], and is it it is yes it must be[2], and now its all PR emails obviously except for this obviously because we still need to get dizzy dont we[1], and I know Im not deluded man[2], and do we[1], and now its all PR emails obviously except for this obviously because we still need to get dizzy dont we[2], and we do I know we do yes[1], and do we[2], and ah come on[1], and we do I know we do yes[2], and keep believing in the dizzy life all aRound because uh uh I dont know I guess were addicted[1], and ah come on[2], and our brains are a mess[1], and keep believing in the dizzy life all aRound because uh uh I dont know I guess were addicted[2], and we cant do the finance stuff endlessly I cant even remember the last time we got money aRound[1], and our brains are a mess[2], and can you[1], and we cant do the finance stuff endlessly I cant even remember the last time we got money aRound[2], and or or or got the financial workers here[1], and can you[2], and theyre all busy or something square stuff ha ha ha[1], and or or or got the financial workers here[2], and were happy as we are[1], and theyre all busy or something square stuff ha ha ha[2], and its better for us if were alone together all kooks together such a great elite eh true kings and queens maybe[1], and were happy as we are[2], and anyway anyway[1], and its better for us if were alone together all kooks together such a great elite eh true kings and queens maybe[2], and words words words keep coming and they will never stop ----- or spun like this there will always be words[1], and anyway anyway[2], and imagine the silence I cant[1], and words words words keep coming and they will never stop ----- or spun like this there will always be words[2], and listen there may be chaos here that we have to deal with but I swear Im controlling the ----s[1], and imagine the silence I cant[2], and because because I[1], and listen there may be chaos here that we have to deal with but I swear Im controlling the ----s[2], and yeah yeah it takes a lot of energy and a lot of willpower and it aint easy but it must be done must be[1], and because because I[2], and must it yes[1], and yeah yeah it takes a lot of energy and a lot of willpower and it aint easy but it must be done must be[2], and this is some sort of I dont know what actually I cant say its a relief because chaos disturbs our peace[1], and must it yes[2], and words are difficult in all ways[1], and this is some sort of I dont know what actually I cant say its a relief because chaos disturbs our peace[2], and uh uh no squares here I presume you all know what I mean and just think[1], and words are difficult in all ways[2], and its nearly Christmas yippee[1], and uh uh no squares here I presume you all know what I mean and just think[2], and come on[3], and its nearly Christmas yippee[2], and its a fresh start[3], and yeah yeah[3], and is it it is yes it must be[3], and I know Im not deluded man[3], and now its all PR emails obviously except for this obviously because we still need to get dizzy dont we[3], and do we[3], and we do I know we do yes[3], and ah come on[3], and keep believing in the dizzy life all aRound because uh uh I dont know I guess were addicted[3], and our brains are a mess[3], and we cant do the finance stuff endlessly I cant even remember the last time we got money aRound[3], and can you[3], and or or or got the financial workers here[3], and theyre all busy or something square stuff ha ha ha[3], and were happy as we are[3], and its better for us if were alone together all kooks together such a great elite eh true kings and queens maybe[3], and anyway anyway[3], and words words words keep coming and they will never stop ----- or spun like this there will always be words[3], and imagine the silence I cant[3], and listen there may be chaos here that we have to deal with but I swear Im controlling the ----s[3], and because because I[3], and yeah yeah it takes a lot of energy and a lot of willpower and it aint easy but it must be done must be[3], and must it yes[3], and this is some sort of I dont know what actually I cant say its a relief because chaos disturbs our peace[3], and words are difficult in all ways[3], and uh uh no squares here I presume you all know what I mean and just think[3], and its nearly Christmas yippee[3], and

And come on[1], and its a fresh start[1], and come on[2], and yeah yeah[1], and its a fresh start[2], and is it it is yes it must be[1], and yeah yeah[2], and I know Im not deluded man[1], and is it it is yes it must be[2], and now its all PR emails obviously except for this obviously because we still need to get dizzy dont we[1], and I know Im not deluded man[2], and do we[1], and now its all PR emails obviously except for this obviously because we still need to get dizzy dont we[2], and we do I know we do yes[1], and do we[2], and ah come on[1], and we do I know we do yes[2], and keep believing in the dizzy life all aRound because uh uh I dont know I guess were addicted[1], and ah come on[2], and our brains are a mess[1], and keep believing in the dizzy life all aRound because uh uh I dont know I guess were addicted[2], and we cant do the finance stuff endlessly I cant even remember the last time we got money aRound[1], and our brains are a mess[2], and can you[1], and we cant do the finance stuff endlessly I cant even remember the last time we got money aRound[2], and or or or got the financial workers here[1], and can you[2], and theyre all busy or something square stuff ha ha ha[1], and or or or got the financial workers here[2], and were happy as we are[1], and theyre all busy or something square stuff ha ha ha[2], and its better for us if were alone together all kooks together such a great elite eh true kings and queens maybe[1], and were happy as we are[2], and anyway anyway[1], and its better for us if were alone together all kooks together such a great elite eh true kings and queens maybe[2], and words words words keep coming and they will never stop ----- or spun like this there will always be words[1], and anyway anyway[2], and imagine the silence I cant[1], and words words words keep coming and they will never stop ----- or spun like this there will always be words[2], and listen there may be chaos here that we have to deal with but I swear Im controlling the ----s[1], and imagine the silence I cant[2], and because because I[1], and listen there may be chaos here that we have to deal with but I swear Im controlling the ----s[2], and yeah yeah it takes a lot of energy and a lot of willpower and it aint easy but it must be done must be[1], and because because I[2], and must it yes[1], and yeah yeah it takes a lot of energy and a lot of willpower and it aint easy but it must be done must be[2], and this is some sort of I dont know what actually I cant say its a relief because chaos disturbs our peace[1], and must it yes[2], and words are difficult in all ways[1], and this is some sort of I dont know what actually I cant say its a relief because chaos disturbs our peace[2], and uh uh no squares here I presume you all know what I mean and just think[1], and words are difficult in all ways[2], and its nearly Christmas yippee[1], and uh uh no squares here I presume you all know what I mean and just think[2], and come on[3], and its nearly Christmas yippee[2], and its a fresh start[3], and yeah yeah[3], and is it it is yes it must be[3], and I know Im not deluded man[3], and now its all PR emails obviously except for this obviously because we still need to get dizzy dont we[3], and do we[3], and we do I know we do yes[3], and ah come on[3], and keep believing in the dizzy life all aRound because uh uh I dont know I guess were addicted[3], and our brains are a mess[3], and we cant do the finance stuff endlessly I cant even remember the last time we got money aRound[3], and can you[3], and or or or got the financial workers here[3], and theyre all busy or something square stuff ha ha ha[3], and were happy as we are[3], and its better for us if were alone together all kooks together such a great elite eh true kings and queens maybe[3], and anyway anyway[3], and words words words keep coming and they will never stop ----- or spun like this there will always be words[3], and imagine the silence I cant[3], and listen there may be chaos here that we have to deal with but I swear Im controlling the ----s[3], and because because I[3], and yeah yeah it takes a lot of energy and a lot of willpower and it aint easy but it must be done must be[3], and must it yes[3], and this is some sort of I dont know what actually I cant say its a relief because chaos disturbs our peace[3], and words are difficult in all ways[3], and uh uh no squares here I presume you all know what I mean and just think[3], and its nearly Christmas yippee[3], and

Blank

Yeah, yeah. Feeling blank.

Listen! I need a chunk of blank verse. Just before Christmas. That's the best present I could give myself. And the world.

Yes, the world. Because I've decided it's going to be the best chunk of blank verse ever. Thirty-six lines.

How?!

You start work on it, my friends, and you don't stop work until it is what I said it will be. Or what you said - if you're doing something of your own, like.

Learn from me, kooks.

'Listen to him!'

If you want ... you can start work on a small poem, and you can finish it ten or twenty years from now. It's up to you. Or a book. Or a painting. And I won't judge you. No! Work as hard as you can. Work as well as you can. Just finish it when the time is right.

Whatever it is, or will be.

'You said before Christmas, Mikey.'

Well, that's what I'm hoping, Voice. I reckon I might be able to get it done by Christmas. But I'll also be working on some small free verse poems. I really need twenty poems by the end of the year, man. And then thirty by March.

Anyway ...

Oh, I'll be writing a conceptual today about a fresh start that doesn't exist. Ha, ha, ha! Were you expecting a PR email this morning?

'Fools!'

Don't be too hard on them, Voice. They obviously believed me last week.

Uh.

But I meant it at the time. That's the thing. But life is ... chaotic.

'Your life!'

Yes, my life.

Listen! When I start my real fresh start, you won't even notice it, kooks. One day, you'll just say to yourself: "Why is he writing about finance all the time in a finance blog? Weird!"

'That'll be the day!'

Ah.

Listen! Listen to me! My poetry isn't even touched by chaos. This blog is saturated with chaos. But my poetry isn't even touched! Try to imagine that!

Imagine how good that feels!

And the poems are complete. / A song is never complete because there's always the prospect of some session musician improvising a guitar solo over it.

'It may be a very good solo.'

Listen! It may be a great solo! Especially if you've got someone like Mick Ronson hanging around.

You dig?

I hope you understand what I'm talking about, readers, because this shit is important.

Christ.

Listen -

The best feeling you can have as an artist is to be pure and complete with zero chaos.

Laters.

'Bye!'

ENDS

ENDS

ENDS

Note: I'm writing about chaos in my new poem, BUT(!) ... it's all under control. It's the subject matter, that's all.

I mean ...

I might as well.

'Boss?'

I might as well write about poetry, Voice, because I'll be doing my fresh start next week, won't I?

'Yeah.'

Don't be like that.

'What?'

Your tone of voice, Voice.

'Ha!'

Anyway ...

I've been thinking about the technical side of poetry. I mean, could I become a technical master like Auden or Mahon, and is that even important?

To be honest, I'm not sure it's important. The only real reward for becoming a master of technique is the admiration of a few characters, experts, like. But your average person won't care that much because the content of the poems is the most important thing. What are the poems actually saying? You know? How do they make people feel ... or think?

I mean ... Auden has about twenty or thirty great or entertaining poems, but a lot of his poems are as boring as hell, especially the later ones.

I don't know.

And I'm thinking, also ... instead of using established forms like sonnets, it might be better to create your own forms these days when it comes to traditional poetry. I mean ... I don't know. Do you know, kook(s)? / I don't want to write blank verse all the time, or free verse all the time. The thing is ... There's nothing is a traditional poem, but it has its own form, my form, and own rhyme scheme, with a couple of short lines that look like free verse, so ... do you know what I mean? / The "traditional" poem that I put in the competition is the same.

Dylan Thomas had this problem. I mean, worrying about this shit. He eventually settled on counting syllables in his later work, his most mature stuff. However, that might have been a mistake because of the nature of the English language with all its strong stresses.

Actually, free verse and blank verse are quite simple when it comes to the technical side. The only thing you've got to do is control every line. To make sure that every line is as interesting and ... as full of vitality as it can be. You dig?

Yeah, yeah.

Of course, I won't be writing about poetry in this blog any more and ... I always change my mind, so ...

Never mind.

It doesn't matter.

Oh ... I need thirty lines for my new blank verse poem. I mean, I've decided. I've got six. I need another thirty.

'Thirty-six, boss!'

What?! Oh, yeah. That's how long it will be.

I might take my time with this one. Those six lines, and the subject, and the title, were really a gift from the cosmos BECAUSE I had no idea what I was doing at first. BUT NOW I KNOW ... and I must deliver GREATNESS, you dig?

Laters!

'Bye!'

ENDS

ENDS

ENDS

[No. 1,152] Ooo

And ooo[1], and feeling a bit blank actually[1], and ooo[2], and ooo ooo ooo[1], and feeling a bit blank actually[2], and ha ha ha its all right you know I dont have any complaints and its a lot of fun[1], and ooo ooo ooo[2], and of course of course this here isnt blank[1], and ha ha ha its all right you know I dont have any complaints and its a lot of fun[2], and this is chaos mind brain collapse as you know and were used to it aint we yes we like it[1], and of course of course this here isnt blank[2], and well I think we do[1], and this is chaos mind brain collapse as you know and were used to it aint we yes we like it[2], and aRound and aRound aRound never gets old its eternal and immortal or something ha ha uh[1], and well I think we do[2], and yeah yeah we love it[1], and aRound and aRound aRound never gets old its eternal and immortal or something ha ha uh[2], and well I suppose yes but but but I got some blankness now too and some freeness now too[1], and yeah yeah we love it[2], and ha ha ha options options loads[1], and well I suppose yes but but but I got some blankness now too and some freeness now too[2], and my brain really hurts with it all well a bit and I dont mind its just words words words aint it[1], and ha ha ha options options loads[2], and do we like words[1], and my brain really hurts with it all well a bit and I dont mind its just words words words aint it[2], and listen you cant hear but listen Im still getting tunes in me dreams and you never know I might[1], and do we like words[2], and like Cohen you dig but probably not[1], and listen you cant hear but listen Im still getting tunes in me dreams and you never know I might[2], and the truth is Im happy with my new destiny now which is old really because it was always my astrologers plan[1], and like Cohen you dig but probably not[2], and he knew everything even when I was going to phone him[1], and the truth is Im happy with my new destiny now which is old really because it was always my astrologers plan[2], and imagine such powers and I was lucky to have such a soul in my corner putting in a good word with the gods uh cosmos[1], and he knew everything even when I was going to phone him[2], and you need that in my game[1], and imagine such powers and I was lucky to have such a soul in my corner putting in a good word with the gods uh cosmos[2], and yes yes the game of words words words where you must demolish the whole of a vulgar culture as Billy knows[1], and you need that in my game[2], and yeah hes still active mainly magic now obviously[1], and yes yes the game of words words words where you must demolish the whole of a vulgar culture as Billy knows[2], and dreams ha dreams Christ[1], and yeah hes still active mainly magic now obviously[2], and anyway anyway anyway kooks you wont believe the dreams from last night I swear my subconscious is nuts[1], and dreams ha dreams Christ[2], and oh unconscious ness[1], and anyway anyway anyway kooks you wont believe the dreams from last night I swear my subconscious is nuts[2], and never ever mind[1], and oh unconscious ness[2], and ooo[3], and never ever mind[2], and feeling a bit blank actually[3], and ooo ooo ooo[3], and ha ha ha its all right you know I dont have any complaints and its a lot of fun[3], and of course of course this here isnt blank[3], and this is chaos mind brain collapse as you know and were used to it aint we yes we like it[3], and well I think we do[3], and aRound and aRound aRound never gets old its eternal and immortal or something ha ha uh[3], and yeah yeah we love it[3], and well I suppose yes but but but I got some blankness now too and some freeness now too[3], and ha ha ha options options loads[3], and my brain really hurts with it all well a bit and I dont mind its just words words words aint it[3], and do we like words[3], and listen you cant hear but listen Im still getting tunes in me dreams and you never know I might[3], and like Cohen you dig but probably not[3], and the truth is Im happy with my new destiny now which is old really because it was always my astrologers plan[3], and he knew everything even when I was going to phone him[3], and imagine such powers and I was lucky to have such a soul in my corner putting in a good word with the gods uh cosmos[3], and you need that in my game[3], and yes yes the game of words words words where you must demolish the whole of a vulgar culture as Billy knows[3], and yeah hes still active mainly magic now obviously[3], and dreams ha dreams Christ[3], and anyway anyway anyway kooks you wont believe the dreams from last night I swear my subconscious is nuts[3], and oh unconscious ness[3], and never ever mind[3], and

And ooo[1], and feeling a bit blank actually[1], and ooo[2], and ooo ooo ooo[1], and feeling a bit blank actually[2], and ha ha ha its all right you know I dont have any complaints and its a lot of fun[1], and ooo ooo ooo[2], and of course of course this here isnt blank[1], and ha ha ha its all right you know I dont have any complaints and its a lot of fun[2], and this is chaos mind brain collapse as you know and were used to it aint we yes we like it[1], and of course of course this here isnt blank[2], and well I think we do[1], and this is chaos mind brain collapse as you know and were used to it aint we yes we like it[2], and aRound and aRound aRound never gets old its eternal and immortal or something ha ha uh[1], and well I think we do[2], and yeah yeah we love it[1], and aRound and aRound aRound never gets old its eternal and immortal or something ha ha uh[2], and well I suppose yes but but but I got some blankness now too and some freeness now too[1], and yeah yeah we love it[2], and ha ha ha options options loads[1], and well I suppose yes but but but I got some blankness now too and some freeness now too[2], and my brain really hurts with it all well a bit and I dont mind its just words words words aint it[1], and ha ha ha options options loads[2], and do we like words[1], and my brain really hurts with it all well a bit and I dont mind its just words words words aint it[2], and listen you cant hear but listen Im still getting tunes in me dreams and you never know I might[1], and do we like words[2], and like Cohen you dig but probably not[1], and listen you cant hear but listen Im still getting tunes in me dreams and you never know I might[2], and the truth is Im happy with my new destiny now which is old really because it was always my astrologers plan[1], and like Cohen you dig but probably not[2], and he knew everything even when I was going to phone him[1], and the truth is Im happy with my new destiny now which is old really because it was always my astrologers plan[2], and imagine such powers and I was lucky to have such a soul in my corner putting in a good word with the gods uh cosmos[1], and he knew everything even when I was going to phone him[2], and you need that in my game[1], and imagine such powers and I was lucky to have such a soul in my corner putting in a good word with the gods uh cosmos[2], and yes yes the game of words words words where you must demolish the whole of a vulgar culture as Billy knows[1], and you need that in my game[2], and yeah hes still active mainly magic now obviously[1], and yes yes the game of words words words where you must demolish the whole of a vulgar culture as Billy knows[2], and dreams ha dreams Christ[1], and yeah hes still active mainly magic now obviously[2], and anyway anyway anyway kooks you wont believe the dreams from last night I swear my subconscious is nuts[1], and dreams ha dreams Christ[2], and oh unconscious ness[1], and anyway anyway anyway kooks you wont believe the dreams from last night I swear my subconscious is nuts[2], and never ever mind[1], and oh unconscious ness[2], and ooo[3], and never ever mind[2], and feeling a bit blank actually[3], and ooo ooo ooo[3], and ha ha ha its all right you know I dont have any complaints and its a lot of fun[3], and of course of course this here isnt blank[3], and this is chaos mind brain collapse as you know and were used to it aint we yes we like it[3], and well I think we do[3], and aRound and aRound aRound never gets old its eternal and immortal or something ha ha uh[3], and yeah yeah we love it[3], and well I suppose yes but but but I got some blankness now too and some freeness now too[3], and ha ha ha options options loads[3], and my brain really hurts with it all well a bit and I dont mind its just words words words aint it[3], and do we like words[3], and listen you cant hear but listen Im still getting tunes in me dreams and you never know I might[3], and like Cohen you dig but probably not[3], and the truth is Im happy with my new destiny now which is old really because it was always my astrologers plan[3], and he knew everything even when I was going to phone him[3], and imagine such powers and I was lucky to have such a soul in my corner putting in a good word with the gods uh cosmos[3], and you need that in my game[3], and yes yes the game of words words words where you must demolish the whole of a vulgar culture as Billy knows[3], and yeah hes still active mainly magic now obviously[3], and dreams ha dreams Christ[3], and anyway anyway anyway kooks you wont believe the dreams from last night I swear my subconscious is nuts[3], and oh unconscious ness[3], and never ever mind[3], and

And ooo[1], and feeling a bit blank actually[1], and ooo[2], and ooo ooo ooo[1], and feeling a bit blank actually[2], and ha ha ha its all right you know I dont have any complaints and its a lot of fun[1], and ooo ooo ooo[2], and of course of course this here isnt blank[1], and ha ha ha its all right you know I dont have any complaints and its a lot of fun[2], and this is chaos mind brain collapse as you know and were used to it aint we yes we like it[1], and of course of course this here isnt blank[2], and well I think we do[1], and this is chaos mind brain collapse as you know and were used to it aint we yes we like it[2], and aRound and aRound aRound never gets old its eternal and immortal or something ha ha uh[1], and well I think we do[2], and yeah yeah we love it[1], and aRound and aRound aRound never gets old its eternal and immortal or something ha ha uh[2], and well I suppose yes but but but I got some blankness now too and some freeness now too[1], and yeah yeah we love it[2], and ha ha ha options options loads[1], and well I suppose yes but but but I got some blankness now too and some freeness now too[2], and my brain really hurts with it all well a bit and I dont mind its just words words words aint it[1], and ha ha ha options options loads[2], and do we like words[1], and my brain really hurts with it all well a bit and I dont mind its just words words words aint it[2], and listen you cant hear but listen Im still getting tunes in me dreams and you never know I might[1], and do we like words[2], and like Cohen you dig but probably not[1], and listen you cant hear but listen Im still getting tunes in me dreams and you never know I might[2], and the truth is Im happy with my new destiny now which is old really because it was always my astrologers plan[1], and like Cohen you dig but probably not[2], and he knew everything even when I was going to phone him[1], and the truth is Im happy with my new destiny now which is old really because it was always my astrologers plan[2], and imagine such powers and I was lucky to have such a soul in my corner putting in a good word with the gods uh cosmos[1], and he knew everything even when I was going to phone him[2], and you need that in my game[1], and imagine such powers and I was lucky to have such a soul in my corner putting in a good word with the gods uh cosmos[2], and yes yes the game of words words words where you must demolish the whole of a vulgar culture as Billy knows[1], and you need that in my game[2], and yeah hes still active mainly magic now obviously[1], and yes yes the game of words words words where you must demolish the whole of a vulgar culture as Billy knows[2], and dreams ha dreams Christ[1], and yeah hes still active mainly magic now obviously[2], and anyway anyway anyway kooks you wont believe the dreams from last night I swear my subconscious is nuts[1], and dreams ha dreams Christ[2], and oh unconscious ness[1], and anyway anyway anyway kooks you wont believe the dreams from last night I swear my subconscious is nuts[2], and never ever mind[1], and oh unconscious ness[2], and ooo[3], and never ever mind[2], and feeling a bit blank actually[3], and ooo ooo ooo[3], and ha ha ha its all right you know I dont have any complaints and its a lot of fun[3], and of course of course this here isnt blank[3], and this is chaos mind brain collapse as you know and were used to it aint we yes we like it[3], and well I think we do[3], and aRound and aRound aRound never gets old its eternal and immortal or something ha ha uh[3], and yeah yeah we love it[3], and well I suppose yes but but but I got some blankness now too and some freeness now too[3], and ha ha ha options options loads[3], and my brain really hurts with it all well a bit and I dont mind its just words words words aint it[3], and do we like words[3], and listen you cant hear but listen Im still getting tunes in me dreams and you never know I might[3], and like Cohen you dig but probably not[3], and the truth is Im happy with my new destiny now which is old really because it was always my astrologers plan[3], and he knew everything even when I was going to phone him[3], and imagine such powers and I was lucky to have such a soul in my corner putting in a good word with the gods uh cosmos[3], and you need that in my game[3], and yes yes the game of words words words where you must demolish the whole of a vulgar culture as Billy knows[3], and yeah hes still active mainly magic now obviously[3], and dreams ha dreams Christ[3], and anyway anyway anyway kooks you wont believe the dreams from last night I swear my subconscious is nuts[3], and oh unconscious ness[3], and never ever mind[3], and

So many options

The thing is, you see -

'Great!'

What, Voice?

'We've got a PR email about options trading.'

Er ... have we?!

'Well, that's what you're writing about, boss ... isn't it?'

I'm writing about poetry, Voice.

'FFS! You're not writing about poetry any more! You said!'

That's next week.

'What's next week?!'

Next week I'm not writing about poetry any more, when I start my fresh start, like.

'Your fresh start!'

Yes. Now shut up.

Listen, kooks. I've got so many options when it comes to writing poetry. I mean, the form of it, you dig? I'm thinking it might be a good idea to write mainly free verse with rhymes, and blank verse - without rhymes, obviously.

The thing is, I wrote six lines of blank verse last night, and I'm sure this is going to be something. A great poem, I mean. It's just a matter of time and hard work. I'm excited!

Listen! I can be all "artistic" and shit with the free verse, but blank verse is good for the grandeur, like. 'Don't forget the sprinkles!' I won't! I won't forget, Voice. Christ. It's no good without the sprinkles, is it? These days.

'Ha! These days.'

Do you know what I mean, kooks???

Anyway ...

But there are others sorts of poems I can write, too. Too many options! You know?

Never mind.

'Don't get upset about it, boss.'

I'm not upset!

Idiot.

Anyway ...

These six lines ... at first, I had absolutely no idea what I was writing about ... then I got a subject ... and then ... all the lines changed, man!

It's just bizarre, really. I'm the sort of guy who likes to know what's going on. Do you know what I mean? It's clear that the cosmos has its own agenda, but I think it would be polite if I could be kept in the loop, yeah?

Common courtesy, that's all.

Never mind.

Laters.

[No. 1,151]

And and[1], and I just dont know you know do you know no I dont imagine you do but words keep coming[1], and and[2], and there is no subject is there[1], and I just dont know you know do you know no I dont imagine you do but words keep coming[2], and its all so ooo sad but true everything I say and we dont actually need a meaning of any kind do we[1], and there is no subject is there[2], and we are breathing for fun these days[1], and its all so ooo sad but true everything I say and we dont actually need a meaning of any kind do we[2], and we spin of course ah that will never end because even when Im gone for good over a thousand will be here[1], and we are breathing for fun these days[2], and conceptuals yes conceptuals[1], and we spin of course ah that will never end because even when Im gone for good over a thousand will be here[2], and people will come following the poems wondering just what the hell I was doing and will they have a clue[1], and conceptuals yes conceptuals[2], and ha ha I dont know dont care to be honest ha yeah[1], and people will come following the poems wondering just what the hell I was doing and will they have a clue[2], and Im hoping Ill be in Owlman land soon because something has got to change you dig I cant stay in the city[1], and ha ha I dont know dont care to be honest ha yeah[2], and Im thinking praying twenty poems by Christmas[1], and Im hoping Ill be in Owlman land soon because something has got to change you dig I cant stay in the city[2], and uh uh I gotta believe man thirty poems by March and they dont all need to be masterpieces or nuthin[1], and Im thinking praying twenty poems by Christmas[2], and words words words[1], and uh uh I gotta believe man thirty poems by March and they dont all need to be masterpieces or nuthin[2], and just a general high standard for most of them yeah yeah but a few more great ones obviously[1], and words words words[2], and as many as possible I dont actually know what is possible[1], and just a general high standard for most of them yeah yeah but a few more great ones obviously[2], and however I find yes that amazing things are really possible when you just dive in like a total loon you dig[1], and as many as possible I dont actually know what is possible[2], and just close your mind to any fears yes[1], and however I find yes that amazing things are really possible when you just dive in like a total loon you dig[2], and just be open incredibly open to the cosmos where all the treasure is oh dont you know[1], and just close your mind to any fears yes[2], and Ive told you enough aint I[1], and just be open incredibly open to the cosmos where all the treasure is oh dont you know[2], and anyway anyway anyway its all destiny for me at the end of the day and at the end of life[1], and Ive told you enough aint I[2], and it should be the same for yous but different obviously[1], and anyway anyway anyway its all destiny for me at the end of the day and at the end of life[2], and because because we all of us are different fish yes Im talking about kooks only kooks no squares[1], and it should be the same for yous but different obviously[2], and we all have our own ways[1], and because because we all of us are different fish yes Im talking about kooks only kooks no squares[2], and do you you you understand            ???[1], and we all have our own ways[2], and and[3], and do you you you und erstand            ???[2], and I just dont know you know do you know no I dont imagine you do but words keep coming[3], and there is no subject is there[3], and its all so ooo sad but true everything I say and we dont actually need a meaning of any kind do we[3], and we are breathing for fun these days[3], and we spin of course ah that will never end because even when Im gone for good over a thousand will be here[3], and conceptuals yes conceptuals[3], and people will come following the poems wondering just what the hell I was doing and will they have a clue[3], and ha ha I dont know dont care to be honest ha yeah[3], and Im hoping Ill be in Owlman land soon because something has got to change you dig I cant stay in the city[3], and Im thinking praying twenty poems by Christmas[3], and uh uh I gotta believe man thirty poems by March and they dont all need to be masterpieces or nuthin[3], and words words words[3], and just a general high standard for most of them yeah yeah but a few more great ones obviously[3], and as many as possible I dont actually know what is possible[3], and however I find yes that amazing things are really possible when you just dive in like a total loon you dig[3], and just close your mind to any fears yes[3], and just be open incredibly open to the cosmos where all the treasure is oh dont you know[3], and Ive told you enough aint I[3], and anyway anyway anyway its all destiny for me at the end of the day and at the end of life[3], and it should be the same for yous but different obviously[3], and because because we all of us are different fish yes Im talking about kooks only kooks no squares[3], and we all have our own ways[3], and do you you you u  n  d  e  r  s  t  a  n  d            ???[3], and

And and[1], and I just dont know you know do you know no I dont imagine you do but words keep coming[1], and and[2], and there is no subject is there[1], and I just dont know you know do you know no I dont imagine you do but words keep coming[2], and its all so ooo sad but true everything I say and we dont actually need a meaning of any kind do we[1], and there is no subject is there[2], and we are breathing for fun these days[1], and its all so ooo sad but true everything I say and we dont actually need a meaning of any kind do we[2], and we spin of course ah that will never end because even when Im gone for good over a thousand will be here[1], and we are breathing for fun these days[2], and conceptuals yes conceptuals[1], and we spin of course ah that will never end because even when Im gone for good over a thousand will be here[2], and people will come following the poems wondering just what the hell I was doing and will they have a clue[1], and conceptuals yes conceptuals[2], and ha ha I dont know dont care to be honest ha yeah[1], and people will come following the poems wondering just what the hell I was doing and will they have a clue[2], and Im hoping Ill be in Owlman land soon because something has got to change you dig I cant stay in the city[1], and ha ha I dont know dont care to be honest ha yeah[2], and Im thinking praying twenty poems by Christmas[1], and Im hoping Ill be in Owlman land soon because something has got to change you dig I cant stay in the city[2], and uh uh I gotta believe man thirty poems by March and they dont all need to be masterpieces or nuthin[1], and Im thinking praying twenty poems by Christmas[2], and words words words[1], and uh uh I gotta believe man thirty poems by March and they dont all need to be masterpieces or nuthin[2], and just a general high standard for most of them yeah yeah but a few more great ones obviously[1], and words words words[2], and as many as possible I dont actually know what is possible[1], and just a general high standard for most of them yeah yeah but a few more great ones obviously[2], and however I find yes that amazing things are really possible when you just dive in like a total loon you dig[1], and as many as possible I dont actually know what is possible[2], and just close your mind to any fears yes[1], and however I find yes that amazing things are really possible when you just dive in like a total loon you dig[2], and just be open incredibly open to the cosmos where all the treasure is oh dont you know[1], and just close your mind to any fears yes[2], and Ive told you enough aint I[1], and just be open incredibly open to the cosmos where all the treasure is oh dont you know[2], and anyway anyway anyway its all destiny for me at the end of the day and at the end of life[1], and Ive told you enough aint I[2], and it should be the same for yous but different obviously[1], and anyway anyway anyway its all destiny for me at the end of the day and at the end of life[2], and because because we all of us are different fish yes Im talking about kooks only kooks no squares[1], and it should be the same for yous but different obviously[2], and we all have our own ways[1], and because because we all of us are different fish yes Im talking about kooks only kooks no squares[2], and do you you you understand            ???[1], and we all have our own ways[2], and and[3], and do you you you und erstand            ???[2], and I just dont know you know do you know no I dont imagine you do but words keep coming[3], and there is no subject is there[3], and its all so ooo sad but true everything I say and we dont actually need a meaning of any kind do we[3], and we are breathing for fun these days[3], and we spin of course ah that will never end because even when Im gone for good over a thousand will be here[3], and conceptuals yes conceptuals[3], and people will come following the poems wondering just what the hell I was doing and will they have a clue[3], and ha ha I dont know dont care to be honest ha yeah[3], and Im hoping Ill be in Owlman land soon because something has got to change you dig I cant stay in the city[3], and Im thinking praying twenty poems by Christmas[3], and uh uh I gotta believe man thirty poems by March and they dont all need to be masterpieces or nuthin[3], and words words words[3], and just a general high standard for most of them yeah yeah but a few more great ones obviously[3], and as many as possible I dont actually know what is possible[3], and however I find yes that amazing things are really possible when you just dive in like a total loon you dig[3], and just close your mind to any fears yes[3], and just be open incredibly open to the cosmos where all the treasure is oh dont you know[3], and Ive told you enough aint I[3], and anyway anyway anyway its all destiny for me at the end of the day and at the end of life[3], and it should be the same for yous but different obviously[3], and because because we all of us are different fish yes Im talking about kooks only kooks no squares[3], and we all have our own ways[3], and do you you you u  n  d  e  r  s  t  a  n  d            ???[3], and

And and[1], and I just dont know you know do you know no I dont imagine you do but words keep coming[1], and and[2], and there is no subject is there[1], and I just dont know you know do you know no I dont imagine you do but words keep coming[2], and its all so ooo sad but true everything I say and we dont actually need a meaning of any kind do we[1], and there is no subject is there[2], and we are breathing for fun these days[1], and its all so ooo sad but true everything I say and we dont actually need a meaning of any kind do we[2], and we spin of course ah that will never end because even when Im gone for good over a thousand will be here[1], and we are breathing for fun these days[2], and conceptuals yes conceptuals[1], and we spin of course ah that will never end because even when Im gone for good over a thousand will be here[2], and people will come following the poems wondering just what the hell I was doing and will they have a clue[1], and conceptuals yes conceptuals[2], and ha ha I dont know dont care to be honest ha yeah[1], and people will come following the poems wondering just what the hell I was doing and will they have a clue[2], and Im hoping Ill be in Owlman land soon because something has got to change you dig I cant stay in the city[1], and ha ha I dont know dont care to be honest ha yeah[2], and Im thinking praying twenty poems by Christmas[1], and Im hoping Ill be in Owlman land soon because something has got to change you dig I cant stay in the city[2], and uh uh I gotta believe man thirty poems by March and they dont all need to be masterpieces or nuthin[1], and Im thinking praying twenty poems by Christmas[2], and words words words[1], and uh uh I gotta believe man thirty poems by March and they dont all need to be masterpieces or nuthin[2], and just a general high standard for most of them yeah yeah but a few more great ones obviously[1], and words words words[2], and as many as possible I dont actually know what is possible[1], and just a general high standard for most of them yeah yeah but a few more great ones obviously[2], and however I find yes that amazing things are really possible when you just dive in like a total loon you dig[1], and as many as possible I dont actually know what is possible[2], and just close your mind to any fears yes[1], and however I find yes that amazing things are really possible when you just dive in like a total loon you dig[2], and just be open incredibly open to the cosmos where all the treasure is oh dont you know[1], and just close your mind to any fears yes[2], and Ive told you enough aint I[1], and just be open incredibly open to the cosmos where all the treasure is oh dont you know[2], and anyway anyway anyway its all destiny for me at the end of the day and at the end of life[1], and Ive told you enough aint I[2], and it should be the same for yous but different obviously[1], and anyway anyway anyway its all destiny for me at the end of the day and at the end of life[2], and because because we all of us are different fish yes Im talking about kooks only kooks no squares[1], and it should be the same for yous but different obviously[2], and we all have our own ways[1], and because because we all of us are different fish yes Im talking about kooks only kooks no squares[2], and do you you you understand            ???[1], and we all have our own ways[2], and and[3], and do you you you und erstand            ???[2], and I just dont know you know do you know no I dont imagine you do but words keep coming[3], and there is no subject is there[3], and its all so ooo sad but true everything I say and we dont actually need a meaning of any kind do we[3], and we are breathing for fun these days[3], and we spin of course ah that will never end because even when Im gone for good over a thousand will be here[3], and conceptuals yes conceptuals[3], and people will come following the poems wondering just what the hell I was doing and will they have a clue[3], and ha ha I dont know dont care to be honest ha yeah[3], and Im hoping Ill be in Owlman land soon because something has got to change you dig I cant stay in the city[3], and Im thinking praying twenty poems by Christmas[3], and uh uh I gotta believe man thirty poems by March and they dont all need to be masterpieces or nuthin[3], and words words words[3], and just a general high standard for most of them yeah yeah but a few more great ones obviously[3], and as many as possible I dont actually know what is possible[3], and however I find yes that amazing things are really possible when you just dive in like a total loon you dig[3], and just close your mind to any fears yes[3], and just be open incredibly open to the cosmos where all the treasure is oh dont you know[3], and Ive told you enough aint I[3], and anyway anyway anyway its all destiny for me at the end of the day and at the end of life[3], and it should be the same for yous but different obviously[3], and because because we all of us are different fish yes Im talking about kooks only kooks no squares[3], and we all have our own ways[3], and do you you you u  n  d  e  r  s  t  a  n  d            ???[3], and

Er, well ... poetry, I'm afraid, even though this is a finance blog

Anyway ...

As far as I can work out, Dylan Thomas only wrote seven poems in the last eight years of his life. That must have been pretty painful for him. I suppose he had other commitments to do the sort of writing (and readings) that would bring money in, I don't know.

Anyway ...

It makes me feel better about my nine, only nine, poems since I started writing poetry again this April.

However, I'm going to be very creative between now and Christmas. I'd like to get to twenty poems if I can.

Oh! Er ... this is a finance blog, and I won't be writing about poetry no more after today.

And you can hold me to that, dear reader(s). I'm serious.

[Ha, ha, ha! Voice? 'Yes, ha!' Thank you.]

It might actually be a mistake, you know, telling everyone what you're doing, or ... it might be useful, I don't know.

Anyway, kook(s) ...

This is my private diary, and you shouldn't even be reading it. How would YOU(!) like it, if I were to creep around in your bedroom while you were at work, trying to find where you've hidden it? I haven't hidden it, of course, my diary, but ... it's the same thing, man. Ain't it? Yes.

Never mind.

One day, soon, I'll be living in the land of the Owlman. I won't be writing this blog, or songs, and I will be able to put all of my energy into writing poetry. For the rest of my life. Yes. That's what my astrologer wants. It's what the cosmos wants. And it's what Billy wants. So be it! And it's what I want now.

And I've been thinking about Yeats, yes, Billy. Why does he want it? Well, let me quote from this poem of his, High Talk -

Processions that lack high stilts have nothing that catches the eye.

What if my great-granddad had a pair that were twenty foot high,

And mine were but fifteen foot, no modern stalks upon higher,

Some rogue of the world stole them to patch up a fence or a fire.

You see? I'm the man for the job. With a few sprinkles, obviously. If you know what I mean.

Laters.