List of Writers - Further information

Ann Drysdale

Town of Books

For R B on the occasion of his coronation

Here we go gathering books in Hay, books in Hay, books in Hay
Here we go gathering books in Hay on a cold and frosty morning…

Being a bound volume in the Town of Books
Is not necessarily safe or comfortable.

He who leaves his books outdoors
Is on a par with sluts and whores

Books by the yard, books by the pound,
"How many can you cram into a bag?"

He who leaves them in the rain
Causes poor Saint Peter pain
They are brought here, sought and bought here,
Priced but not valued, wanted but not loved.

To pile them high and sell them cheap
Makes recording angels weep
Alas for the bright books, brought low and traded
Into all sorts of slavery, all manner of mischief.