[Ann Drysdale]

Look at line 4, O demi-frog...

[Brian Allgar]

These half-frog eyes have looked and looked, O Wise One, but have seen nothing. We crave enlightenment.

[Ann Drysdale]

Danse? or is that a special term applied to congas?

[Rob Stuart]

I've seen this as an archaic spelling (as in 'Danse Macabre') but is it appropriate here...?

[Royston Vasey]

...but is it appropriate here...?

I think it is, and given this thread's subject matter, I'd say it's rather nicely done.

[Graham King]

I have a little pimple,
Or perhaps a boil or three;
The inverse of a dimple
Is the pox that’s plaguing me.
It started as a spot that itched;
I scratched; it hurt me more.
Discomfort’s note grew higher-pitched
With swelling of my sore.
From corner of my eye I see
It as a bump behind;
Acne’s acme creeps on me
And preys upon my mind.
Like dot-to-dot, designs
On me it makes! The day draws near
When nothing else of me repines
But one red, lumpy sphere.

[Ann Drysdale]

OK, Brian - at some time during my deliberations about the spelling I thought of the Danse Macabre but rejected the thought. Why did I?

Now, looking the mediaeval depictions and the undeniable congatude of the thing - yes, I get it. But if that's what you wanted me to get, how about a cap. D?

[Brian Allgar]

Well, stap me vitals!

Ann, I read and re-read that line, counting the syllables, checking the metre, looking carefully at the words 'Jive', 'Jitterbug' and 'Conga' which, as you can imagine, don't form part of my usual vocabulary, but completely failed to spot the typo. (I maintain that it was one, since 'dance' and 'dancing' are spelt correctly elsewhere in the piece.)

I've changed the offending word to "do", although since it was a last-minute entry, too late to correct my submission.

It just goes to show that the eye can easily be fooled into believing that it sees what it expects to see.

Still, the shame! the humiliation! The only question is: should I have a large whisky, or simply blow my brains out? It's a bit early for whisky ...

[Ann Drysdale]

No, don't do that - cling to the lifeline that Rob and Royston and even I threw to you, and pretend you did it on allusive purpose. I won't tell.

[Brian Allgar]

Originally Posted by Rob Stuart

I've seen this as an archaic spelling (as in 'Danse Macabre') but is it appropriate here...?

Rob, it's not archaic, just French.

Ann, you've convinced me to wait for whisky-time. "I think I will not hang myself today".