(xxi)
dogs have masters
cats have staff
(xxii)
Rhino horn does absolutely nothing for yours.
(xxiii)
Some terror threats are real and some are fake.
Half are fake; we make them up to keep you obedient.
(xxiv)
Money without understanding is no advantage.
(xxv)
According to Dr Johnson an abbey lubber is
a slothful loiterer in a religious house
under pretence of retirement and austerity.
Well, well…
(xxvi)
We destabilise.
We oust leaders – we call them dictators – by force
and then support with money and weapons
at least two of the rival factions that spring up to fill the vacuum.
Failed states are to our advantage.
(xxvii)
Too much counterpoint,
and what is worse – Protestant counterpoint.
Thomas Beecham on Bach
(xxviii)
A day in the company of someone wise
and a day without vulgar thought
is a day worth a thousand.
(xxix)
Nothing surprises me today
and to my eternal shame very little disgusts me.
(xxx)
There’s no true blood left,
amphetamines and antibiotics have seen to that.
johnpoetflanagan 
beautiful, fascinating – wow
Mihran
Thank You very much
My best to You
john
And such is real life
And so it is, Dear Ina, so it is
Big hugs
john
…wunderschön! Alles Gute für Dich
Vielen herzlichen dank, Lis
john
🙂 gerne….schönen Tag und Gruß!
Again these are marvellous, John. I find truth in all, but 23, 26 and 29 in particular. Food for thought – thank you.
i like your preferences, Chris,
i like them very much
Thank You
Ever
john
Thank you for bringing on a thoughtful smile today!
Val
Thank you very much
Big hugs
john
xxviii holds a special appeal for me and the reality of xxx is alarming. With snow on the ground and more falling your work in this rendering brings me comfort and entertainment. Thank you John. Ever your friend, Jon Michael
Thank You
Jon My Friend
for your fine response and for your choice of xxviii and yes, i agree xxx is alarming
Ever Your Friend
john
Dear John, wonderful post, not sure about xxvi, depends on who “we” is. Smiles.
Be well John, love and hugs,
Holly
Thank You Holly very much…
‘we’ the masters of the universe..whoever they are
Much love
john
as masters, we have not done that well. 🙂
love!!
All clever and too true, especially the one about Bach…from this humble harpsichord player who loves playing music from the master of counterpoint, as it was intended to be played. Here’s an article by someone who became a believer: https://listenlearnanddo.wordpress.com/2013/02/11/bach-badass-of-counterpoint/
Love your response, Karen
Thank You very much
Big hugs
john
All fun. But , I fully agree that a cat has a staff. The “seem” to bond with one but, really there working the room. They are clever indeed.
Diane
Thank You very much
hope you’re keeping warm
Best Always
john
This is just wow! So true words, powerful write-up… 🙂
Maniparna
So kind of you
Thank You
big hugs
john
Powerful verses, dear John… xxvi truly resonated with me…. nice one.
I hope you had a nice Valentine´s day…. may you be surrounded by love everyday. Aquileana ⭐
Thank You
Dear Aquileana
Thank you so much
always wonderful to hear from you
Big hugs
john
like thomas beecham on bach…
working on a military post during all our involvements in central america was an eye opener
Eileen
Thank You..more, please, when you have time on that central american venture.
Big hugs
john
Ha, no-one could disagree with xxi unless they’ve never had a cat or seen one in action.
Hugs
Absolutely, David
Thank You
Big hugs
john
That’s reality.. cats have staff 😀
Thank You
Dear Indah
Always with
Big hugs
bapak john
Loved every one. Thanks!
My pleasure
Dear Myra
Much love
john
xxviii is the ‘standout’, would it were so. xxvi perfectly encapsulates the stark reality from time immemorial and most certainly continues up to our present day. I also love the opening Jot, xxi. Regal.
Dear Angela
i had the feeling xxviii would appeal to your refined sensibilities.
Thank You, Friend
for reading and responding
Much love
john
Simple yet profound. You got to the heart of the matter with each!
Thank You
Noelle
Thank you very much for your fine response
Big hugs
john