I do not have permission to print John Roedel’s poem in full, but I’d invite you to take a look at it courtesy of the Maggie Oliver Foundation.
John’s final line refers to the question raised by the lungs when she said: “what took you so long?’ There is no answer to that question on offer in the poem. This website discusses several alternatives and you can give me your answers in my spoof Finals Paper.
Possible ‘answers’ for the Finals Examination
Here are some of my own observations. They revolve around the scenic route that has figured a few times on my website, not least on this page.
What ‘reasons’ might there be for taking so long? What about:
I looked out of my Window [of Tolerance] for a long time,
I went outside and came back a few times before I reached you,
I had a gut feeling the time was not quite right (think about this or re-visit this one!!)
I hit obstacles on the scenic route and I got around them by ……
I had an accident on my bike/car/train and had to walk,
I had to stop and think a few times before I remembered your address.
How would you describe your own journey on the scenic route?
This illustration may offer a helpful reminder
If you have any last thoughts, do let Christina and I know them.
Descriptions of small, safe experiments that worked for you would be really helpful.
THE END
…. hmm …. or is it AN END?
….. maybe just ONE END
…. seems like PART of an END?
Oh, I know …… ONE OF SEVERAL ENDS
What does yours look like?
Other leads you can consider
… including actions might not be enough
Can you nudge other people?