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: With pleasure — 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. I hear from many readers asking me to re-run articles that hold meaning for them. Eventually, it was suggested they be put together in a booklet. The booklet is titled Keepers. It can be ordered by sending your name and mailing address, plus a check or money order for $7 (U.S. funds), to Dear Abby, Keepers Booklet, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447. Shipping and handling are included in the price. Filled with clever observations, Keepers contains poems, essays and letters on subjects as such as children, parents, philosophy and death. It’s a quick and easy read as well as an inexpensive gift for newly married couples, new parents, and anyone grieving or recovering from an illness.

Dear Abby: Do you think it is right that my parents disowned me because I’m seeing a guy they don’t like? I don’t think it is. I’m 25, and

I live on my own with my son. — Not Right

Dear Not Right: Not knowing the guy or your parents’ reason for disliking him, I can only suggest that their reaction seems extreme. By age 25 you should be mature enough to decide something like this without being emotionally blackmailed. Please recognize that if you give in to this, they will be making your decisions for you until they are no longer on this side of the sod. Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069 or visit