Bruce

> I can write a poem that would tickle the fancy of the guys around the
> pick-up bed, but they would be gone before I delivered the first line. How
> do you get around that?
>
> And, assuming that's accomplished, what is the common ground between the
> Football pick-up bed and the Eliot pick-up bed that, once I've got the
> attention of the former, won't cause the latter to wander off?

I would not sell the 'guys around the pick-up' short. You can NOT be all
things to all people. Who cares if some wanders off today if a few of
your original audience was reached. If you are worried about the other
group, write something for them tomorrow and maybe the following day,
part of each group will pay attention. Pol. Correct is in the ears of
the beholder.  I would like to experience the  'poem that would tickle
the fancy of the guys around the pick-up bed'. It would be interesting
to see if your experience with being around the back of a pick-up is the
same as mine. As you mention each brings his own past to the equation.
Is your meaning of 'around the back of a pick-up' a stereo typical base
line meaning or one of the many other possible real life groups. Please
offer BP a moment of fun with a poem.

There have been some mighty fine stories and comments mixed in with just
stuff on BP. Just like any conversation sometimes you pay attention,
other times . . well.

Usually I am amoung the lurkers when it comes to BP. Somedays wishing BP
would stop filling my machine with other peoples stuff and then
otherdays being amazed at the genuine depth and personality that BP has
and is acquiring.

I am no great fan of poetry however from the first time I heard Ogden
Nash I was basically hooked. In honor of Mr. Nash I offer ....

        The Termite

A primal termite knocked on wood
tasted it and found it good
and that is why your cousin May
fell through the parlor floor today

Not deep but gets the point across.

I've known this since I was about 8 years old. Most likely why I became
a carpenter.

Bryan