Thursday, December 25, 2008

A Present From My Friend Stella of Swiftspeech

Stella, my first reader willing to comment, has compared my writing to that of the inimitable Dorothy Parker. I hadn't read Parker, an omission I cannot account for. But last birthday I asked for and received from my friend, Nick, The Collected Stories of Dorothy Parker. And now, this Christmas, Stella has given me the Poetry of Dorothy Parker. And I will dole them out when I'm ready. But for today, I give you the one that included a very important link, and the poem that might make Stella think of me.

Neither Bloody Nor Bowed
Dorothy Parker

They say of me, and so they should,
It's doubtful if I come to good.
I see acquaintances and friends
Accumulating dividends,
And making enviable names
In science, art, and parlor games.
But I, despite expert advice,
Keep doing things I think are nice,
And though to good I never come-
Inseparable my nose and thumb!

7 comments:

Dr. Zaius said...

When thumbing your nose, it's best to stand away from the mirror. Merry Christmas, Utah Savage!

Utah Savage said...

Same to you Dr Z. I try to always avert my eyes when passing mirrors. Have you hear? I'm gay. Won't you be gay too, for a few days? Join us, Kelso and his nuts are starting a movement. Let's hold hands and all be Gay on Inauguration Day.

Anonymous said...

I've not read DP, but I heard a little ditty about her.... I'm not good at telling jokes, but this one is indelibly (sp?) stuck in my brain:

When asked to use this word, "horticulture" in a sentence she wittily replied, "You can lead a whore to culture, but you can't make her think!"

I just love it!!!!! Hope you do too!

Can I be gay with you, too, for the day?! Solidarity, for our friends!!

Anonymous said...

I love that. Stella is so right about Dorothy Parker and you.

anita said...

I, too, agree with Stella (once again!). You have that razor-like anger thing going on that Dorothy Parker definitely had, and it translates very well into your prose.

Consider this: what if your mother had been June Cleaver (or a reasonable facsimile)? Then where would your writing be?

(Just trying to look on the bright side I guess ... )

Utah Savage said...

June Cleaver isn't far off, Anita. My mother's sister in law was June Savage. My Uncle Linton, her husband was a small town Texas Banker. They never had children and would have loved me early on, but as long as they wanted me, Maggy would have none of it. I swear if they'd got their hands on me I be a right prissy small town Texas Baptist matron, much like our dear and soon to be departing Pickles. Oh the horror. I shudder to think of it. Maggy gave me a terrible childhood so I would have plenty to write about. She also gave me a wicked tongue with which to say my piece, or peace, which ever it is. She sadly was unable to teach me to spell, so I have no idea when what I say is not correct.

yellowdoggranny said...

holy shit!...Dorthy Paker is the best...you must sit down right now and read every thing...don't make me come to Utah in all that shitty weather and bip you upside the head..read woman..read...