For the record ... I scared myself away! Seriously, I don't think I could do justice to this forum at the moment. It is my final year as Head of a Special School, and I retire in July - which means lots of work so I could only visit sporadically! However, here's PENNY. PENNY FOR YOUR THOUGHTS "A penny for your thoughts," you say What? You'd actually pay? O.K. Let's start the auction then you sir? Still a penny? Well, for that you get Slipshod thoughts, slightly less than true, Hand-me-downs, charity-shop thoughts Cliches and commonplaces. Thoughts You would really not like to be associated with In intellectual company or in converse with friends: You get what you pay for Oh, over there, You sir you offer silver? That's better This lot has thoughts shot through with lightning And moonlit nights. Quicksilver thoughts you have to chase, Slick to the touch, slippery to hold on to, impermanent. What gold from you? A regal choice, mellow and sunshiny Thoughts to parade with pomp and pride to give seals of approval amid the sound of symbols. Do I hear 'rubies' Well, hey! These thoughts are the lifeblood of the passing Hours. The blood-red flowers of love and passion, The secret folds of female flesh, and the roses of Sweet sweet remembrance. Sapphires now! Oh. Yes the cosmic blue set into the wail Of Miles Davis' horn, midnight thoughts in deep deep Seas of mysteries and nightmare scenes And enduring loneliness. Emeralds? Botanic gem such earthy thoughts: Rolling in the green ferns with Myf, "roll me over, Lay me down, and do it again" Sorry sir, Not for sale. Private thoughts. Next? Opals? Well I'm not sure. These thoughts Lie at the changing heart of me. They switch And change, never still, lit by half-hidden fires And shifts of light. What else will you offer? Wood, paper, ink? Do you really need to know Whatever I think? Safer by far to keep to the first The sensible offer A penny for my thoughts.