Ethical skid

This one was published in Cous-cous 5, May 1995, p.13, and Perimeter 9, September 2000 (page number not traceable). Like other work of mine that I have posted on this blog, it's a bit dated. Nowadays one might not look for rights income from a video of the kind described, but rather post it on YouTube with an appeal for donations.

Given my propensity to gaffes in general, I had better say that I have never had to write quite such a letter of thanks to a speaker I have invited.

ETHICAL SKID

Dear Dr Price:
Two points.
Firstly, thank you very much
for Wednesday evening's talk.
We shall add your Centre's work
to those we pray for. I
meant it when I singled out
eirenic qualities
in my opening remarks.

I hope you will accept,
secondly, my deep regret
for having let myself
inadvertently describe
too well how different
your approach would be from mine,
your Centre's endless work
renegotiating peace
from my response of arms
traders crucified along
the M11, with
income from the video
of this event applied
(after tax) to help support
the clearing of the mines,
water projects round the world,
and other causes. Thank
you for leading off from that
and disembarrassing
everybody from my gaffe
so skilfully. - With best
wishes for your Centre's work,
apologies and thanks,
yours sincerely....