I was afraid of this:
each in turn has proposed a toast;
now I must rise and,
known for eloquence
in print,
must improvise,
in seconds,
what normally takes
three hours
on paper.
Hi That was great, Tom (insert name insulting nickname)
I wish I could speak speechify as well as
I write drone away on paper my key board
as well as you like you.
Were I editing writing
on paper my computer
with a pen keyboard,
it would be my joy I would have no trouble be able I could say something brilliant to astound you
and that might even change your lives.
As it is, you’re stuck with ll have to endure take what you can get.
That said,
it’s great to be here. Let’s think about the year in retrospect pause for a moment to remember
absent friends
especially Bob, the freeloading sonofabitch who has gone to a better place
thank God!
or did he go to Miami?
I can never remember.
Let’s drink!
To absent friends.
(Sit, without falling or spilling)