A Literary Farewell

By Lisabet Sarai

Our topic this week, mooted by Ashley, is "New Beginnings". I believe that this is because this will be his last week as a regular member at Oh Get A Grip. Of course I deeply regret his decision to move on, but I understand that each of us needs to make difficult decisions to enhance our personal and professional lives. And there does come a time when one must say "Enough is enough".

I've learned a great deal about Ash during the months that he has been with us, as well as a lot from him. For one thing, after studying his masterful technique, I'm starting to get some idea how to write humor. I could never have composed last week's tongue-in-cheek post about the Pearly Gates if I hadn't had Ashley's hilarious posts as exemplars.

Ashley has also taught me quite a bit about poetry. I started writing poems when I was in grade school, but I have little formal background in the forms and constraints of verse. Hence, it thought it would be appropriate for me to attempt a Shakespearean sonnet in honor of his departure, and to say thank you.

Farewell to Master Ashley

The time has come, dear Ash, to say adieu.

You're going to leave a gap here at the Grip.

No one will ever take the place of you,

So wise and witty, erudite and hip.

Your insight into language we will miss,

Your barbéd sarcasm and bawdy verse,

Your skill in capturing a Sapphic kiss,

A cuckhold's shameful lust, a vampire's curse.

You know that you will be the first to hear

Should I e'ere find myself in Lancashire!

Lots of love from Lisabet