XXX - Blissful ignorance.

Painting: Steven Kenny I have been interviewed by Lillie. Lillie's First Question: Many of us are aware of your fierce contest last summer for the affections of a fair maiden.
Unfortunately, you were publicly beaten by a dog, and apparently consoled yourself with a trip to Italy with yet another woman.

My readers are wondering how Mrs. Newbery responded to these events and how you have arranged your marriage to allow for such events?
◊◊◊ Ignorance is bliss. Mrs N. knows not the women who divert me She would, if she knew, desert me. It is, forsooth, A simple truth What she doesn’t know wont hurt me. ◊◊◊ Directions for the Interview Meme: 1. Leave me a comment saying "Interview Me." 2. I will respond by asking you 5 questions. (I get to pick the questions.) 3. You will update your blog with the answers to the questions. 4. You will include this explanation and an offer to interview someone else in the same post. 5. When others comment asking to be interviewed, you will ask them 5 questions. ...

XXIX - My cup runneth over.

I have been interviewed by Lillie. I will answer the questions in reverse order so that they appear in the correct order. Lillie's Second Question: You seem a man of leisure, with abundant time for wine, women, poetry and acerbic comments. How are you able to financially support such an exotic lifestyle?

◊◊◊ I'm a kept man. To the tune of 'Jimmy Crack Corn'

When I was young I set my eyes On a master who was on the rise And hitched my wagon to his star Now I’m never short of Pinot Noir. Chorus I’m a kept man, and I don’t care. I’m a kept man, and I don’t care. I’m a kept man, and I don’t care. I’ve never paid my way. I would go with my master abroad; While he was seeking his reward I would write poetry in the bar With a fine glass of Pinot Noir Chorus Very little my master forbids I even fathered all his kids For that there was no feather or tar He blamed it on the Pinot Noir Chorus My master is so kind and giving This is the best way of making a living, It’s wondrous that its lasted this far I toast the heavens with my Pinot Noir. --- © J Cosmo Newbery ---

XXVIII - Regrets

I have been interviewed by Lillie. I will answer the questions in reverse order so that they appear in the correct order. Lillie's Third Question: What has been your greatest regret? ◊◊◊ Mr Newbery regrets.

Do I have regrets? You bet I do! You can’t live life without a few: They trail behind like gulls with a trawler.

And some, yes, have made me weep and robbed me of my precious sleep As an incessantly nagging midnight caller. Some hang so heavy and others less stern But the past has gone and cannot return You can but face the future smarter, hopeful, taller. Regrets are the flotsam of a life well played, Accept that fact and be not dismayed; My revealing mine wont make them smaller. --- © J Cosmo Newbery ---

XXVII - A dear friend.

I have been interviewed by Lillie. I will answer the questions in reverse order so that they appear in the correct order. Lillie's Fourth Question: What qualities do you look for in a friend? ◊◊◊ A Dear Friend A friend is warm, a friend is caring A friend is loving and there for sharing Full bodied, ripe and nicely rounded A friend give pleasure, quite unbounded. A friend will listen, a friend will care, A friend supports you, with heart laid bare. Loyal, encouraging, lending a hand, A friend is precious, they understand. A friend is soft, a friend is giving A friend makes life, and love, worth living. A friend will come from near or far, But in their absence, try Pinot Noir. --- © J Cosmo Newbery ---

XXVI - Immortal or just well preserved.

The original J Cosmo Newbery
Lillie's Fifth Question:
What would you most like to be remembered for?

◊◊◊

Thirsting for fame.

Unlike my precursor, J Cosmo the first
So proud he could bust, or possibly burst
I wish it known, both near and far,
That I really loved my Pinot Noir
And that no-one said "He died of thirst".

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© J Cosmo Newbery
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XXV - A sonnet to a favourite word.

I have been interviewed by Lillie. I will answer the questions in reverse order so that they appear in the correct order. Bonus question: What is your favorite word? ◊◊◊

When I was asked for my favourite word I chose, with no trace of hesitation What I think is surely the most absurd Example in all communication. My word, you see, is quaintly double edged And most slyly deceptive from the start; Its values are perverse and coyly hedged. It firstly means divide or split apart. Straight forward enough, separate and lift. Visions come of satin, silk and leather. But calm your busom and don’t be so swift: Its second meaning is to stick together. To cut or to join, it’s hard to believe But my favourite word, of course, is ‘cleave’. --- © J Cosmo Newbery ---