The Bassett family site
Max’s verses
SA will oppose the planned national biological control of the controversial weed, Salvation Jane , so I read. The weed helps fodder supplies in dry seasons and the apiarists have been stung into activity because it supports honey production. I’m glad in a way. I dislike biological warfare. Anyway, you can’t smoke Salvation Jane or …
The elimination of pronouns can, in some cases, result in repetition of the subject or object to an extent that the drafting can become awkward or convoluted in form and can also cause particular problems in regard to the use of reflexive verbs as it is impossible to have a reflexive verb without a reflexive …
The SA Education Department has moved to quell concern over controversial peace studies in schools by distributing formal guidelines to principals. I wonder what this peace can be That causes so much rage, Affecting us, we’re led to think, At quite a tender age? What makes it such a battleground Where people glare and thunder? …
Adelaide’s namesake, Queen Adelaide, now has her own rose—a fine traditional pink bloom with hardy qualities which has been released by the Queen Adelaide Society for South Australia’s Jubilee 150. How shall we write it, singing verse or prose? Queen Adelaide has now her blooming rose, A gentle flush upon her petal brow, A regal …
Period costumes are becoming part of our Jubilee 150 celebrations, and especially period-costume balls. Strike up the tunes of yesteryear, to thrill us one and all For here’s chance to show your gear; the period-costume ball. So come adorn, in best of taste, this jubilee affair. There’s whalebone, love, around your waist and ribbons in …
MAX FATCHEN’S FINAL VIEW NOT QUITE THE END This is my last regular verse for The Advertiser. So rip off a bundle of tissues and join our play at that moody manor to our north. The scene is a garden shed where the old jester is putting away his cap and bells under the scrutiny …
An Anglican vicar in NSW has a work-related repetitive strain Injury In his feet which, it is believed, comes from kneeling while conducting church services. The thought will then arise afresh That we are only bone and flesh. That, working on salvation’s fringe, Our conscience often gives a hinge. Thus faith must learn to take …
The mail is still being delivered along the Birdsville Track despite a dispute between station owners and Australia Post over a recently imposed mail service levy. I think I’ll send a letter in my somewhat florid prose Along the track of dust and dreams to where the Cooper flows, Where wearily its waterholes await another …