The Songstone

There was n old windbag called Shuttle who wasn't particularly subtle. N 'actual poet' by name though her oeuvre was lame; her verses were worth fully fuck all.

Where is Neruda now to sing of you,  Comrade Vallejo? His would be an apt  voice to ennoble, know your fire, as few others could (I am not one, wrapped in cotton wool of Art for its own sake, without the balls to brave the Fascist cannons as you have done). They'll kill you, Comrade, make an icon of resistance, buy you - Mammon's clutches of billionaires: the stooge Piñera! (a parasite from this, or any, era), sucking the weal, and old spiders who brood  voraciously. The darkness of a day elapsed, a day nourished with our sad blood, concludes the desperate struggle of decay.

Returning every day from court, I pawn spring clothes. The river sees my drunken mien; my boozing debts mount up all over town. Men do not often live three score and ten. The butterflies go deep into the flowers, the dragonflies on wing among the drops. The passing time is always rushing hours; no time to know you: separation stops. 朝回日日典春衣 每日江頭盡醉歸 酒債尋常行處有 人生七十古來稀 穿花蛺蝶深深見 點水蜻蜓款款飛 傳語風光共流轉 暫時相賞莫相違

Whilst you were riding with Rebekah, Cam You never thought to ask about the scam? A dimwit or a crook, which is it to be? Before you answer, best think carefully.

One of the joys of living in another place is the local food, so I am amazed when I see other expats purchasing flabby farmed salmon; there are excellent barracuda steaks right next to them  at half the price and  with twice the taste. My barracuda recipe for 2 Two barracuda steaks Yoghurt Mustard (wholegrain works best) Chives, roughly chopped Garlic, finely chopped Salt and pepper Gently fry the steaks (about 5 minutes each side depending on thickness) in olive oil and the garlic. Mix the yoghurt and mustard and add salt and pepper to taste. About 3 minutes before the steaks are done pour the mix over them and let it heat through. Sprinkle the chives over the top and serve on a bed of rice or with mashed potatoes and wilted spinach. Nothing to do with fish, but Old Actress has made a lovely recording of Sappho's Hymn to Aphrodite . I have a vested interest here, as it was my suggestion she do it.

By popular request, Betjeman's Myfanwy :

I have decided to make use of the technology and record myself. Here is Autumn Birds . Thanks to Audacity for the wonderful free software and Tony Northrup for the photo. If people like it I shall do it again. and why's she wrong...