31 DECEMBER 2005, Page 27

Mi Diverto

And if the world is mad And tied up to success With hope of trading good for bad Dispersed as ‘more means less’ And generations strive To push their children on So one blood line of all might thrive In one dominion, And this is plain to each Since History sat down To plan anew on hill and beach A truer sort of town, Then why contrive an art Touching not the least A juster, fairer, kinder start Or sure place at the feast, And fashion at the desk Instead thought’s sounds and shapes To make what consequence at best Will buy in books and tapes Unless it is to please The oldest animal, A self of brain and jointed knees The bored obsessional.

Peter Porter