Payback Is A Bitch

Friend of mine in London sent me the following. Taken from Maiden Speech, published by Bloodaxe in 1996:

Bitcherel

You ask what I think of your new acquisition;and since we are now to be 'friends',I'll strive to the full to cement my position with honesty.Dear - it depends.

It depends on taste, which must not be disputed;for which of us does understandwhy some like their furnishings pallid and muted,their cookery wholesome, but bland?

There isn't a law that a face should have features,it's just that they generally do;God couldn't give colour to all of his creatures,and only gave wit to a few;

I'm sure she has qualities, much underrated,that compensate amply for this,along with a charm that is so understatedit's easy for people to miss.

And if there are some who choose clothing to flatterwhat beauties they think they possess,when what's underneath has no shape, does it matterif there is no shape to the dress?

Its not that I think she is boring, precisely,that isn't the word I would choose;I know there are men who like girls who talk nicelyand always wear sensible shoes.

It's not that I think she is vapid and silly;it's not that her voice makes me wince;But - chilli con carne without any chilliis only a plate full of mince...

[Images by Katrien De Blauwer]