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Ernest lives up to his name

Ernest lives up to his name He says things so earnestly You feel sad and bad

And stupid

It makes you not want to wait for the next thing

In case it is like the last thing

Or a worse thing

That really does your head in

Earnestness is his goto face His goto voice

and his goto place

Is full of books by his mates

That think earnest thoughts about race About the climate and space


Here he is alone with the telly on He has put his earnest face on Because the news is on.

Let’s listen to him go on.


“How can we, with unwavering resolve, address the escalating challenges of climate change and forge a sustainable path forward for the well-being of our planet?”


But Ernest need not answer. Instead, he may yet meander For a lot longer.

Why bother to counter Such lyrical banter When let’s face it Ernest is a goodun But not a lot of fun.


So then to the cure.

For excessive earnestness take a trip to cancer care or to a baker

Where words and whatnot don’t matter.


December 12, 2023