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

Frank

Do you remember the poet Henry Reed who wrote ‘Lessons of the War: Naming of Parts’, published in 1946?

It goes

Today we have naming of parts. Yesterday,
We had daily cleaning. And tomorrow morning,
We shall have what to do after firing. But today,
Today we have naming of parts. Japonica
Glistens like coral in all of the neighbouring gardens,
And today we have naming of parts.

They call it easing the Spring: it is perfectly easy.
If you have any strength in your thumb: like the bolt,
And the breech, and the cocking-piece, and the point of balance,
Which in our case we have not got; and the almond blossom
Silent in all of the gardens and the bees going backwards and forwards,
For today we have naming of parts.


Going on holiday to the Isle of Man in a couple of days.

Harold

Hi Harold,
I do not know Henry Reed though I will now look him up, his poem rings so very true.
Infantry training naming of parts was so much of our lives but when your weapon jammed on a black night you did it all in automation and at speed, I bless those Training staff who drove us crazy drumming it into us.
We all often wondered at the repetition, the sheer bordom and those old soldiers waiting for demob saying it was for our own good. Some of us did find out it had been for our own good. I never dodged training in anything after those experiences.
Enjoy your holiday Harold we are having a fine sunny day and my tomato's are growing by the minute, I have put some plants out to harden off and they will go in the ground at the weekend. I have bushes to trim after flowering and the lawn is almost a continuous cutting cycle, no rest for gardeners. I do take my mid day sandwich and pot of tea outside and sit in the sun enjoying it. A Blackbird comes over and sits waiting for crumbs, the funny bit is Benji does not chase it as he does the other birds, they must have an understanding. God bless nature in all her wonders.
Have fun Harold regards,
Frank.