When I was young I took Classics along

When I went to a beach or stadium. First

I planned to live with my girl-friend, but

Since I met then with a blame of a kind,

I was outcast by all, even my girl-friend

Estranged herself from my space. In turn,

I cast aside the realm of the ‘snowy dust’

To wander around with the books I love.

But reading the books doesn’t bring you,

As you well know it, my friend, any income.

Being so down to the bottom of the barrel,

I went to ask for the loan of some ‘bread’

From one tough who said, “No problem,

Buddy, I shall be getting the royalty funds

From my publisher in a while, and I will

Lend you some of money—will that do?”

I flushed with anger, said, “On the street

As I was coming here, I heard someone

Calling out. Looking round, I saw a fish

Bobbing up and down in a ditch and then

I said, "Fish, what has brought you here?"

The fish said, "I am a minister of billows

In the Northern sea. Have you one barrel

Or a pint of water to keep me alive, sir?"

I replied, "I am going southward to have

Then lead a stream from the Southern sea

To meet you here—will that do?" At this,

The fish flushed with anger and cried out,

"I have lost my proper element, and I can

Do nothing for myself, but if I could get

A barrel or a pint of water, I’d keep alive!

Than do what you propose, you’d better

Soon look for me in the stall of dry fish."

So, who could borrow me a pint of water

To revive the fish hopped in the ditch?!

Would any proper answer to this question

Be enough to put the issue on ice? Let’s. . .