4.18.2007

 

Poet Seeking Patron

For a modest sum, say a mere $90,000 per year, said poet will immortalize you forever in verse, florid or fluid, for all time. Repeatedly. Though the royal train may have been hijacked by pistol-packing entourages in recent years, this is your opportunity to ride the cutting edge of the next retro revolution in style. Britney, having some image issues? Forget the PR person: perhaps you need this perspicuous penman to rejuvenate your sagging rep. And Tom, text me. No more Scientology strongarm tactics. We'll win Katie back together, tag-team de Bergerac style.

Take heed, wealthy elite: expensive face creams may keep you looking young, but the sweet nectar of words can make you immortal.

Comments:

This patronage idea sounds like a great idea. Check out this poem by William Topaz McGonagall (1825-1902), the Scottish author of "Poetic Gems" (his own chosen title):

An Address to the Rev. George Gilfillan

All hail to the Rev. George Gilfillan of Dundee,
He is the greatest preacher I did ever hear or see.
He is a man of genius bright,
And in him his congregation does delight,
Because they find him to be honest and plain,
Affable in temper, and seldom known to complain.
He preaches in a plain straightforward way,
The people flock to hear him night and day,
And hundreds from the doors are often turn'd away,
Because he is the greatest preacher of the present day.
He has written the life of Sir Walter Scott,
And while he lives he will never be forgot,
Nor when he is dead,
Because by his admirers it will be often read;
And fill their minds with wonder and delight,
And wile away the tedious hours on a cold winter's night.
He has also written about the Bards of the Bible,
Which occupied nearly three years in which he was not idle,
Because when he sits down to write he does it with might and main,
And to get an interview with him it would be almost vain,
And in that he is always right,
For the Bible tells us whatever your hands findeth to do,
Do it with all your might.
Rev. George Gilfillan of Dundee, I must conclude my muse,
And to write in praise of thee my pen doss not refuse,
Nor does it give me pain to tell the world fearlessly, that when
You are dead they shall not look upon your like again.

Imagine how happy the Rev. Gilfillan must have been when he read that!

I suggest that you start by writing "practice tributes" about all of your friends. Lavish us with your praise!

Jason

 

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