Today’s poem

A BAG FOR LIFE?

I was in the supermarket Wondering if they still sold semolina, When I was accosted by a fair young maid, Next to the oven cleaner. She said: ‘I sincerely hope you’re well today.’ She had a bright and winning smile. She said: ‘Would you accept this bag for life? ‘It really is worthwhile. ‘The problem is,’ she shook her head, (I saw her intentions were well meant). ‘We are all guilty of over-use, ‘Plastic bags are damaging our environment.’ Then she handed me a plastic bag, And turned to dive back into the throng. ‘Just a minute,’ I heard myself cry, ‘Aren’t you expecting me to live for very long? ‘How can this be a bag for life? ‘Why I could put a hole in it, it’s thin.’ ‘Ah ha!’ she said, ‘if it gets damaged, ‘We’ll replace it, don’t put it in the bin.’ ‘I bring a bag each week,’ I said. ‘It’s made of hessian and twine. ‘I think I bought it just after the war, ‘And it’s still working fine. ‘Allow me to show you,’ I soldiered on, ‘I’m sure my old bag will outlive me.’ ‘I’m sorry,’ she said, ‘I can’t look now, ‘I’ve all these bags to give out, see?’ I gave a rueful laugh as she danced away. Our world is truly paved With the very best of intentions, But how will it be saved?

Mrs Anita Bass, Theydon Bois, Essex.

Limerick

The Chancellor’s softened on pay (He listened to what people say). So George, heaven’s sake, Add icing on the cake, And blow HS2 plans away! Robert Ben-Nathan,

Denham, Bucks.

Nursery Rhyme

Early one morning, Just as the sun was rising, I heard a builder whistling and calling out: ‘Hello!’ Oh, do not grieve me, I’ll call the police, believe me, How could he embarrass a poor maiden so?

I. G. Fenner, New Milton, Hants.