My Dream Book-launch

I dream of Waterstonian “launch”*
In (say) one year from now.
I see myself, with thicker paunch,
Supported by a few pals staunch,
Who earn my gracious bow;
Then launch, with many a jeu d’esprit,
Upon my favourite Subject:- ME.

Inflated by this ME-NESS theme,
In Waterstone’s grand premises,
I quote myself, with gleeful gleam,
Quote critics’ praise: this self-esteem,
This Hubris, leads to Nemesis;
For from my “pals”, with one accord
I hear: ‘YOUR BOOK WE CAN’T AFFORD.
IN THESE RECESSIONARY TIMES
WHAT BENEFIT TO US ARE RHYMES?!’

HMD. 25.IV.2009

Note: Shortly before writing the above I was in Waterstone’s to buy a book for a friend’s Birthday. I got into conv with a delightful assistant who told me that Ws had regular Book-Launch occasions and that if I ever had a book published I should avail of this service.
I really DID dream of a launch. I say of myself, thinking of the hefty number of Launches which I have attended over the years (ca.six in 2012 already!!)
“I am a man more launched against than launching”. Some years ago I contacted an excellent publisher recommended by Alex Findlater. He wrote me a most sympathetic letter, not the standard “PFO”. It was an offer to publish me BUT at my own expense because I was “unfortunately caviar to the general.”
In the meantime I appear on the Internet under Morgan’s Verses, a sop to my pride and pocket.

*Waterstone’s has, alas, disappeared from its site in Dawson Street, earlier the premises of Hodges,Figgis.
Whoever launches me it will NOT be Waterstones…. [17.April 2012]

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