Well, not forgotten if it's said to you, I suppose.
I'm thinking now about how he might react. Not for this poem /
meeting, but generally. He might learn from it, but that's unlikely.
I know myself how upset I get when someone says "I'm sorry that you
think our customer service is below the standard that you have a right
to expect", thereby implying that it's my failure not theirs. That's
where this came from. But apart from his anger (my anger) at some
smart arse playing with words, there's his righteous anger.
I recall, having obliged someone by agreeing to jump through a
pointless security hoop, I asked what had been served. She turned her
head away and wouldn't answer. Chap behind me said _The more you
challenge her the more right she'll feel._
& he was right.
Belief is a terrible thing.
----- Original Message -----
From: "Poetryetc: poetry and poetics"
To:
Cc:
Sent:Wed, 20 Feb 2013 11:08:25 -0000
Subject:Re: Elidius and the nature of sorrow
Memorable last line
P
-----Original Message-----
From: Poetryetc: poetry and poetics [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
On Behalf Of Lawrence Upton
Sent: 20 February 2013 11:04
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Elidius and the nature of sorrow
"I'm sorry that you think I've let you down.
I do my best, you know, and do want to.�
But you're not sorry that you really did.
I"I am. I said so.�
No, you did not, Sir.
You said you're sorry that I think you did.
"It is the same thing.�
Very far from it.
What I hoped for's believable sorrow,
an apology that is unambiguous,
for the damage that you had caused to me.
Ah, no response; a fabricated face.
You might have made a more adequate reply.
Perhaps you maintain you are not lying
if you seem to say what you are not saying.
Let me reaffirm that it is a lie
if you mislead someone.
"Spare me sermons.�
You try to be an automaton, my son.
"If you wish, you old fool; but just fuck off.�
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