Stories Without Passionate Aplomb (Revised) Poem by Margaret Alice Second

I give up, there’s no sparkling humour, redeeming
dialogue or touching pathos in Anthony Lejeune’s
style; the main character, an Oxford Don, is boring,
his grey perspective tells a story lacking in passion
and interest, long-winded conversations are of a
kind I’d walk away from in real life

Let it be a lesson, don’t be charmed by the critical
acclaim on a book’s jacket; nevertheless its good
to try new things because this shows why Agatha
Christie was an excellent narrator, dialogue short
and to the point, characters dynamic, perspective
colourful, so without reading other authors

There can be no contrast: the last two pages left
a bitter taste of unfaithfulness in my mouth, I am
relieved the story could not hold me; a lesson in
coldness some people can create during earthly
lives does not bring comfort or peace, for this
kind of information we can read the news

In literature I seek ideals to fire my spirit, inspire
my heart, adore my loved ones; to appreciate my
colleagues & be true to all who benefit from my
love and efforts, tales lacking passionate aplomb
are a waste, subsequent depression does not help
to ease boring duties of everyday life

“Key Without A Door” by Anthony Lejeune,1988
Macmillan London

25 May 2013