What trouble philosophers are to the rest of society!
DIOGENES' LANDLORD
A philospher is living in my barrel!
An ancient Greek, to judge by his apparel.
With my back turned for a minute
he has taken refuge in it
and treats it like a private study carrel.
He says he's of the Cynical persuasion
and worldly goods don't help our situation.
So he'd really like to try it
if I'd supply a balanced diet
and empty out this bucket, on occasion.
A Stoic would be more concerned with virtue;
with perfect freedom, nothing much can hurt you.
But he's as miserable as sin
in this barrel that he's in.
In such living quarters, humour can desert you.
If only he would follow Epicurus
who believed the simple things in life should lure us,
he'd give up this casky hell
and find a better place to dwell.
As with wine, some barrel-living should mature us.
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very witty!
Written by fellpony (1580 comments posted) 22nd June 2008 |
| And a nice summary of the various Greek schools of thought, too. As usual, elegantly skilful! |
witty
Written by patterjack (1159 comments posted) 22nd June 2008 |
and enlightening and skilful .... need I go on till I get to very enjoyably wicked -- last lines all telling ones !
patterjack |
Objection m'lud
Written by patterjack (1159 comments posted) 22nd June 2008 |
That moderator's comment was not up when I posted -- and I did so want to be first !
patterjack |
over-ruled
Written by fellpony (1580 comments posted) 22nd June 2008 |
I didn't know it was a race  |
Written by Veronica_Milvus (595 comments posted) 22nd June 2008 |
| Thanks. In case I look too clever, I had to look up all three schools on wikipedia first. |
Wickedly witty
Written by Brett (731 comments posted) 22nd June 2008 |
Love that closing line, of course!
Surprised someone of your wit and intelligence had to do such research - all Greek to you was it?
Cheers |
Written by mia_ms_kim (976 comments posted) 22nd June 2008 |
With the above reviewers. This is very witty, clever and fun. I'm in awe at your highly developed brain as well as your skills as a poet, VM.
Mia  |
Cool
Written by bobc (49 comments posted) 22nd June 2008 |
| I not only loved the content, but the form was great. Limmerick soundiing? |
Written by Phil (6645 comments posted) 22nd June 2008 |
Enjoyed this very much, Veronica. Witty and well delivered. Pleasure to read.
Phil |
All Greek to me!
Written by Katanga (1163 comments posted) 22nd June 2008 |
How absolutely divine! (a bit whoofy there?)
Whatever, I needs must applaud your lines:
"But he's as miserable as sin
in this barrel that he's in . . . !
I haven't laughrd so much since the cows came home!
And the pigs flew over my roof . . . (Whaaaah!)
I think your poem is up there!
Oh! You know!?
HaaaaH!
Love,
Katie X |
Written by Veronica_Milvus (595 comments posted) 24th June 2008 |
Thank you all for your reviews!
Bob - there's a limericky sort of rhyming scheme but the lines are too long for it to be the real thing. I was looking for a comic tone for this one.
KT "as miserable as sin" was one of my mother's favourite expressions.
Glad you all liked it, it was fun to write. |
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