h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Once upon a time, I attempted to learn this wondrous poem off by heart.....then I gave up.....for twas far too long.....

Have you seen the wonderful Dore illustrations for it?

http://www.smithsonianmag.si.edu/journeys/01/sep01/mariner_part1.html

Nick

I don't think I have seen them, no. Thanks for the link, I'll investigate them anon!

I have also seen this link. Not only it provides visionary pictures. But some comments of the practical nature. That we can more easily understand the lesson this poem teaches.
What I understood is ,succinctly, as follows:

Whatever sin we commit,hoever seemingly insignificant in our perception of it, will drag on forever with us like the millstone around a neck. We will never be able to atone for it. Our torments ("death-in-line") will only be temporally superseded by the hours of happy delirum followed again by suffering. This vicious wheel will revovle indifinitly long, deranging us until we become "brown skeletons of leaves".
We have no right to expect succour from anywhere, even if we depart this world,purgatory will not avail us.( the Pilot,Whom the Mariner asks for confession is in this case feeble and reluctant to grant Relief).
This idea of the time-warp of suffering is reinforced by the underliying notion that Time is non-existent. Mariner, though taken away by the Pilot,is alive to tell his tale to those who listen.
So the only recipe is silent and devoted Worship and Withdrawal from Unholiness :
He prayeth best, who loveth best
All things both great and small;
For the dear God who loveth us,
He made and loveth all.'
Hence, its is said, the "Love is Earths' meaning. Love is stronger than death"
I believe that any Poetry is succeptable to a reasoanable Understanding. Then its delight will become not only sensuous but of the pure and higher nature: it will Edify us. So, please, whoever is intersted in this Converstation thread, share your views about the Poem.

Traveller in Time on his head
"I must make time once to read the Smitsonian version, what I had seen of it (6-2003) was very interesting indeed.

However I must say 'Gardener' also knows how to select the words.
And on request I will drop a link to a conversation thread on my Personal Space: < <./>F124701?thread=345516</.> >."

And i like to dirwrekt, the words,badly,sadly gladly maddly,was a naughty boy wiv me toys.

Traveller in Time on his head
"Sorry, still busy decoding the other thread . . .

What taste of english do you use? "