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A poem to read and then ponder…. A poem written by Khuswant Shingh at 92. My friend from Malaysia has sent me the under noted poem written by the famous Indian novelist, lawyer, journalist and politician Khuswant Shingh when he was reportedly 92 years old. Born and raised in Hadali, Undivided India (now in Pakistan), he studied law at St. Stephen's College, Delhi, and King's College London. He is one of my favorite novelists. His novel, “Train to Pakistan” made me cry when I first read it. I do not know why my friend has used this poem to greet me on the New Year day when everyone knows that I do not take any hard drinks! Anyway, my readers may please read the poem and ponder a minute or two if possible! The and the mule live for 30 years, And know nothing of wines and beers; The goat and sheep at 20 die. And never get a taste of Scotch and rye. The cow drinks the water by the tonne, And in 18 is mostly done Without the aid of gin and rum. The cat in milk and water soaks, And then in 12 years it croaks. The modest, sober, bone-dry hen Lays eggs for others, and then dies at 10. All animals are strictly dry, They sinless live and swiftly die. But sinful, ginful, rum-soaked men, Survive for three scores years and ten. And some of them, though very few, Stay pickled till they’re 92. So shed a tear, drink a beer, Celebrate the past, Toast the future and have a Happy New Year!     |
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Not a Nursery Rhyme!
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To choose what happiness will bring And judge the pig or cow, to understand what is their thing. So it eats me, while I'm eating them now. And why does it not suffice that God has not made them able And we are the ones to sacrifice. Our grace, upon the dinner table.
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To choose what happiness will bring And judge the pig or cow, to understand what is their thing. So it eats me, while I'm eating them now. And why does it not suffice that God has not made them able And we are the ones to sacrifice. Our grace, upon the dinner table.
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Thank you so much bob for stopping by and for your responses too. It appears from your inputs that the doggerel might not have been written by Khuswant Shingh of India as attributed by the Malaysian born Indian friend of mine and used it humorously to greet me on the New Year day! As I do not know who the original writer of the doggerel is, I looked for it in the websites after reading your post and could locate an entry and also the poem though the last three of its lines are missing. The text that I could locate read as under: Longevity Posted on August 31, 2005 by Paul On the back cover of the 1937 bartending manual Famous New Orleans Drinks and How to Mix ‘Em, by Stanley Clisby Arthur, there’s a bit of drinking-related doggerel attributed to George C. Wailes, entitled Longevity. After two days of television images depicting rising flood waters, devastated cityscapes and a complete breakdown in civil order, this piece caught my attention, making me think of New Orleans, in its own way. So it will appear that Paul was not also sure who is the original writer of this drinking related doggerel and mentioned that Stanely Clisby Arthur attributed it to George C. Wailes. It may be possible that Khuswant Shigh might have added the last three lines to the doggerel to make it more humorous. Perhaps my Malaysian friend did not care to look for the original writer of this wonderful doggerel. Anyway, thanks for taking interest on the blog and for your inputs. Happy New Year.
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Thank you so much for stopping by and for your inputs. Train to Pakistan is a famous book and must be available in the book shops including online shops. I am yet to read the book mentioned by you but hope to procure it within a very short time. Thanks again for the information. Take care always. Happy New Year.
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I would like to reciprocate the feelings expressed by you for which I thank you. Wish you also a Happy and Joyous New Year, JKH54...
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To speak frankly, earthytaurus, I have no answer to your question! Sometimes we simply avoid answering a valid question like this for obvious reason! Wish you a Happy and Joyous New Year. Take care of yourself always!
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Akamatt,hello, Thank you so much for stopping by and for your meaningful response. I appreciate. Wishing you a Happy and Joyous New Year. Stay well and cheerful throughout the year 2017.
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