Me, too!
 

Oh Jayney-O,

I am so happy for you that you had such a splendid day - what joy! And that photo is so beautiful, so unexpected, it made me cry, oh yes it did! And I'd just got out to the swimming pool, too, and all dried off!

The whole thing - your day, the photo - makes me feel so very happy!

Cally

Oh Cally, it was just great today.

'The Idle Demon' copy I bought, which arrived yesterday, smells all musty and old but it's a terrific book. As Donald recited the poems I hastily found each one in the index so I could follow it (and this was having read it from cover to cover on the train journey to London!)

Here's one from the book that made me laugh:

Plumber-Song at Evening

I heard the plumber calling to his mate
At eventide, when bats were on the wing;
Still was the air, and it was ten past eight -
Thursday it was, but I forget the date -
And O! I heard a plumber sing.

I listened with my finger to my lip,
As burglar strains to hear the fell police;
Sweet came his song, that seemed a golden drip,
'Jug-jug!' he cried, and then again, 'Pip-pip!'
And all the world was peace.

But where his mate? Still, still he silent seemed,
As plumber cried, 'Tu-whoo!' - a silvery tone.
And still the summer world in silence dreamed.
A distant boiler burst, a woman screamed,
And O! I fear his mate had flown.

Long, long ago it seems, and long it is,
Yet still I think I hear that plumber call
At evening, when the leaky faucets fizz,
And Mrs Figgins shrieks at little Liz
Across the garden wall.

Heehee :D

The great man himself says, 'they are not all meant to be funny'; I love Ballade of a Non-Starter and My Heart is like an Onion and Ballade of a Barbarian and Genius Defined and The Survivor... I hope Richard survives to be 100 years old in 2014!

The site's collective rediscovery of R P Lister
 

What a pleasure to find a community of people who have rediscovered this wonderful talent. His Idle Demon has been my vademecum for fifty years and is my favourite gift to friends who will truly appreciate his splendid combinations of wit, insight and playful, if sometimes painful, truthfulness.

Too many of his verses jostle for 'favourite' status but I rather agree with my very good, and tragically prematurely deceased, friend who introduced me to him that The Owlet And The Gamekeeper must be somewhere near the top. Its amused reflection on the folly of human action comforted him in his stoic response to an early terminal illness - and it is hard to think of a better companion in that final adversity than Lister. Try The Lost Gardens Of The Morning for that journey.

The fact of your rediscovery is what has led me to join you all. I look forward to the rest of the ride.

That's about as good a reason as I can imagine. Welcome, Nigel!

Ed

Yes, welcome Nigel.

Steve is missed, I'm sure I am not the only one.

Has anyone heard from Steve? I sent a PM but have had no reply as yet.

We were planning to visit Richard together some time ago.

Are you out there, Steve??? We miss you!

Jayne

Mystery: S.D.Bucknell.
 

Thanks to all. I didn't mean to become another mystery (though it has its attractions). The toad work has been squatting on my chest for the past year and I've found myself slipping away from my Sphere life. And I'm way behind on my list of Lister things to read and do. In fact I must admit to chasing pheasants and Henry Williamson in my spare time. Very odd.
However I've changed jobs today which has prompted a sort of happy reappraisal of things. The Sphere and its lively readership has always given me great support and inspiration. I hope it continues and that I can contribute again. You give me the push I need to get some real work done and get this depressing toad to move away a little.I will consult my mentor, Richard, and see what I must do!

My guess is that Richard will tell you to go to Iceland, take up painting and write a couple of books; regardless, everything has not happened to you yet.

Ed

Congrats on the new job - and welcome back, Steve!

I'll stop fretting about you now... ;)

Jayne

I hope it is a cushy one, Steve, short hours and big bucks. Do come back soon.