Obscurity in Poetry

[abu nuwas]

A couple of years ago, my nephew wanted to do a Masters in Creative Writing. He was put off (and his literary French mother nearly exploded) when told he would have to do a dissertation on this. The high point seems to be him getting around to saying 'January, February'. I suggested the University was out of its mind, as defrauding people in this way was plainly actionable.

It is occasionally useful to look at extremes to determine where truth lies. It is quite endearing that old Paris is clinging on to this stuff -- but if Mr Chopin has a statement, I don't want to hear it. And with such a name!