Lighthearted poem reminds visitors to use guest towels

DEAR ABBY: I’m frustrated that guests in my home almost never use the guest towels I’ve put out for them in the bathroom. Why do they do this? I remember a little poem in your column that addresses this. I’d like to clip it and put it in there next to the towels. Please print it again! — GOOD HOSTESS IN CLOVER, S.C.

DEAR HOSTESS: Here it is: A guest towel speaks By Mabel Craddock Please use me, Guest;

Don’t hesitate.

Don’t turn your back

Or vacillate.

Don’t dry your hands On petticoat,

On handkerchief,

Or redingote.

I’m here to use;

I’m made for drying.

Just hanging here

Gets very tiring.

I thought the poem was clever enough when I first saw it that many of you would enjoy it. After it appeared, many readers thanked me for printing it. Some said they’d framed and hung it in the bathroom their guests used (problem solved!). I hear from many readers asking me to rerun articles that hold meaning for them. Some say the articles have been saved until they are yellowed with age and falling apart. Eventually, it was suggested they be put together in a booklet. Since so many readers kept the items to re-read, the booklet is titled “Keepers.” It can be ordered by sending your name and mailing address, plus a cheque or money order for US$7, to Dear Abby, Keepers Booklet, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, Ill., 61054-0447. Shipping and handling are included in the price.

Filled with clever observations, “Keepers” is both witty and philosophical. It contains poems, essays and letters on subjects as diverse as children, parents, human nature, philosophy and death. It’s a quick and easy read as well as an inexpensive gift for newly married couples, pet lovers, new parents and anyone grieving or recovering from an illness.