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Homage to Edward Lear by Simon R Gladdish
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Homage to Edward Lear
One Hundred & Sixty Libellous Limericks
By Simon R. Gladdish
Published by: Simon R. Gladdish Gladpress Swansea SA9 2BS
© Copyright 2006 Simon R. Gladdish
The right of Simon R. Gladdish to be identified as the author of this work has been asserted by him in accordance with the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988.
All Rights Reserved No reproduction, copy or transmission of this publication may be made without written permission. No paragraph of this publication may be reproduced, copied or transmitted save with the written permission or in accordance with the provisions of the Copyright Act 1956 (as amended). First published in 2006
Dedicated to:
My much-missed mother, Enid And father, Kenneth (fellow poet); My brother, Matthew & his family, My sister Sarah & her family And last but never least. My wife Rusty without whom There would have been nothing.
gladpress@yahoo.com
Foreword
I was introduced to limericks by my poet father when I was about seven and immediately became hooked. When I was eleven, our English class held a limerick competition and our table won. I don’t even remember the teacher’s name but I do remember that she was young and attractive. Our winning limericks went as follows:
There was a young lady called Winnie Who was always wearing a mini. One day in a taxi She changed into a maxi Which she’d bought at a shop for a guinea.
An American boy (oh so Yankee) Was often considered quite cranky. He had a queer brain Switched off at the main But never-the-less he was swanky!
I don’t claim for a nano-second that they are great limericks, though they aren’t at all bad for eleven-year-olds, but the astonishing thing is that I can still remember them verbatim thirty-seven years later. Limericks are natural mnemonics. I attended a bog-standard comprehensive in Reading where blood flowed in the corridors and a significant proportion of the teachers retired early with nervous breakdowns. When I think of those brave men and women who managed to educate us against almost impossible odds, my heart still melts. I have been a teacher myself for the last twenty years but I was never in the same class as those who taught me. At school I learnt to speak Russian and French and even scraped into Oxford. May God bless them all!
I digress. Edward Lear invented the limerick and his are still among the best we have. Compared with his great contemporary Lewis Carroll, Lear is always going to come a close second but there is no denying the man’s genius and ‘The Owl and the Pussy-Cat’ remains one of the most beautiful songs ever written.
I freely acknowledge my colossal debt to Edward Lear and whilst I was composing these limericks often felt his kindly shade hovering over me. Writing limericks isn’t quite as easy as it looks and this slim volume represents a couple of years’ work.
One Hundred & Sixty Libellous Limericks
There was an old fellow called Kenneth Whose health was not quite at its zenith. He finally conceded An operation was needed And now he is back playing tennith.
A small balding editor called Michael Used to travel to work on a tricycle. He thought his job was to publish Post-modernist rubbish Plus anything else he found likeable.
A Welsh Secretary named Ron Was often espied on the common, Cruising for sex Then bouncing his cheques And not telling the police what had gone on. An American President called Clinton Spent his summer vacation in Frinton. He brought a japonica Plus a picture of Monica And prayed every night to saint Onan.
American President Bush Was not lacking when shove came to push. His plan of attack Was to conquer Iraq And control all the oil that would gush.
Saddam Hussein of Baghdad Was regarded as evil and mad; But this brutal dictator, This sly alligator Gave George Bush the worst nightmares he’d had. Defence Secretary Donald Rumsfeld Was constantly having his bum felt By a handsome young aide Dressed in leather and suede Who smiled when he asked how his chum felt.
Prime minister Anthony Blair Developed a lunatic stare. It wouldn’t have mattered Except he looked shattered And was gradually losing his hair.
There was a young fireman called Donny Who went out on strike for more money. He denounced Gordon Brown Till his own house burnt down Which he didn’t find terribly funny. A minister known as Buffoon Started a war on the moon. When asked to explain His reasons again Said ‘We had to invade before June’.
A woman named Sadie Street-Porter Was rubbing her hands at the slaughter. When we entered Iraq She lay flat on her back Seized by loud uncontrollable laughter.
There was an old lady named 'Thatch' Whom no politician could match. A true-blue self-made woman Who no one saw comin' And nobody managed to catch!
There was a young princess called Di Whose sad death left us wondering why. She was so pretty That all London City Would watch her when she wandered by.
A middle-aged poet named Andy Found becoming the Laureate handy. It gave him the chance To prattle and prance And quaff the occasional shandy. Meanwhile, taking pot-shots from his garrison Was republican guard Tony Harrison. Blank verse and rhyme Unlike lemon and lime, Do not lend themselves to comparison.
Motion’s predecessor Ted Hughes Reached a point where he’d little to lose. His life with Ms Plath Incurred feminists’ wrath Forcing him to become a recluse.
The aforementioned Sylvia Plath Wrote all her best stuff in the bath. Her life was so sad ’Cause she married a cad But at least her first name wasn’t Cath. A feminist poet named Duffy Was widely considered a toughie. For the Laureate tipped, She was at the post pipped But her ‘compo’ was more than enuffie.
A struggling poet called Gladdish Was saddish and baddish and maddish. The career that he chose Meant his blood pressure rose Till his face had the hue of a radish.
There was an old poet called Lear Whose verse was remarkably queer. His limericks scanned And went largely as planned But the last line was missing, I fear. There was an old king with a beard Who said ‘It is just as I feared! From my crown to my chin I’m as ugly as sin And my eyebrows look seriously weird.’
There was a young lady of Ryde Whose shoe-strings were seldom untied. She walked with a limp Like a crab or a shrimp. Sadly, after a decade, she died.
There was an old man on a hill Who seldom, if ever, stood still. He said with a smile As he vaulted a stile ‘Pleased to meet you. By the way, my name’s Bill.’ There was a young lady whose bonnet Came untied when the birds sat upon it. She cried ‘Bugger off! I’m so sick of such stuff,’ As she poured out her tenth gin and tonic.
A young alcoholic named Holly Was locally known for her folly. A notorious lush, She was daft as a brush But at least she knew how to be jolly.
There was an old lady named Nelly Whose feet were incredibly smelly. When she took off her socks, Her neighbours threw rocks, Rotten fruit, eggs and raspberry jelly. There was a young lady named Sue Who never knew quite what to do. In a terrible hurry She ingested a curry And spent the next day on the loo.
There was a young lady named Jane Who liked to walk out in the rain. Her husband said ‘Let Me too get soaking wet Before it all goes down the drain.’
There was a young lady named Tracey Whose dress was decidedly lacy. Men flew into a passion At the sight of such fashion And her love-life was terribly racy. There was a young man called MacArthur Who married a lady named Martha. But he left her at last When he found out her past – For Martha was formerly Arthur.
There was a young fellow named Trevor Who was not academically clever. He failed his exams; Now he's butchering lambs And claims that he's happier than ever.
A Hammersmith baker named Phil Dropped dead after making his will. He left the lot To his mistress called Dot Who subsequently moved to Mill Hill.
A candlestick maker named Klein Was brilliant at making them shine. He worked in Berlin With his kith and his kin And perished aged seventy-nine.
There was an old fellow called Jeff Who was rather dogmatic and deaf. He swore white was black And that forward was back And that right was inevitably left.
There was a young lady named Milly Whose sartorial sense was quite silly. She dressed in a sack Painted scarlet and black Whilst her knickers were bright green and frilly.
There was a young mum nicknamed 'Molly' Who needed a pretty new brolly. 'How about this?' Said her son Aramis As he sawed off a branch of fresh holly.
There was a young lady named Laura Who was a phenomenal snorer. Her husband, called Jack, Said 'I'm not coming back From my next visit to Tora Bora.'
There was a young lady named Kate Whose heart was contorted by hate. She hated her mother, Her sister and brother, Her uncle, her aunt and her mate. There was a young man from Kamschatka Whose moustache resembled wet cat fur. He sat in his lounge Seeing what he could scrounge And his family all called him a fat cur.
There was a young dandy from France Who invited young ladies to dance. He was doing all right Till one memorable night He tripped over and fell on his lance.
There was a young lady named Mary Whose baby was ugly and hairy. She said ‘I don’t mind That his face is so lined. It’s just that his eyes are so scary!’ There was a young fellow from Torquay Who never could find his front-door key. Fortunately his wife Had a very sharp knife So he stabbed her and moved to Milwaukee.
There was a young girl from Carnac Who spent her life flat on her back. She said ‘I’m so lazy, It’s driving me crazy – I think I’ll get up for a snack.’
There was an old man from Stavanger Who was given to serious anger. He’d grow purple and shout And push people about When anyone else dropped a clanger. There was an old woman of Bangor Who was prone to incontinent anger. Things got so bad, She was driven (half mad) By the family vet to Stavanger.
There was a young girl from Devizes Who had two hats different sizes. One was a bonnet With ribbons upon it; The other was pink and won prizes.
There was an old person of Dover Who thought he was living in clover. He was bonking the maid And his bills were all paid Till one day a large bus ran him over. There was an old roofer called Reg Who spent most of his life on a ledge. He said ‘I don’t mind. I’m the rational kind, But I’d sooner be earning a wedge.’
There was a young lady named Rusty Whose hair was dishevelled and dusty; So she hurried back home To borrow a comb Before it went crumbly and crusty.
There was a young artist from Smyrna Who was an admirer of Turner. After seeing a Titian, He sank into depression And decided to climb Anapurna. There was an old man of Dundee Who spent half of his life up a tree. When asked why this was, He answered ‘Because It’s the only place I feel free.’
There was an old man of Coblenz Who counted pounds, shillings and pence. This miserable miser Liked sporting a visor As the glare from his coins was intense.
There was an old man of the Hague Whose passing was awfully vague. Doctors couldn’t answer Whether it had been cancer Or the terminal stages of plague. There was a young lady from Wales Whose favourite food was boiled snails. She also liked frogs’ legs, Locusts and snakes’ eggs And fishes without fins or scales.
There was an old man of the South Whose manners were rather uncouth; Especially crude Whilst consuming his food, He would cram it all into his mouth.
There was an old man of the North Whose favourite food was Scotch broth. He would often be seen With a monstrous tureen, Straining it out through a cloth. There was an old man of the East Whose idea of a snack was a feast. Turkey and tripe And fresh fruit which was ripe And bread made without any yeast.
There was an old man of the West Who with food was completely obsessed. After dining and lunching He would carry on munching Till he couldn’t remove his string vest.
There was a young lady from Hyde Who couldn’t eat eggs boiled or fried. ‘You know, it’s so strange’ she said, ‘Even free-range’ she said, ‘Make me feel funny inside.’ There was an old man of Nepal Who broke his left leg in a fall. His wife said ‘Fancy falling! It’s frankly nepalling. I warned you to get off that wall.’
There was an old man from Peru Who constructed an aircraft which flew Several feet Till an ear-splitting bleat Informed him he’d crashed on a ewe.
There was an old man from Cape Horn Who spent his life feeling forlorn. His psychiatrist said ‘Would you rather be dead?’ He said ‘No, I’m just sad I was born.’ A lanky young lady from Crete Wore shoes which were shiny and neat. She resembled a pylon With stockings of nylon And surprisingly small dainty feet.
There was an old person of Mold Whose hands were alarmingly cold. He said ‘Pass me those kittens, I’ll use them as mittens; With a wee bit of force, they should fold.’
There was an old man of Quebec In trouble right up to his neck. He had paid many dollars For his bow-ties and collars With a bouncing and fraudulent cheque. There was a young girl of Majorca Who was an exceptional talker. She rabbited on Till the whole day was gone And the moon hovered over Menorca.
There was an old man from Kilkenny Whose name, I remember, was Benny. As close as a clam, He stuffed stale bread and jam Which he’d bought at a shop for a penny.
There was an old Scotsman named Doug Who had a strange face like a pug. Pugnacious was he To the umpteenth degree And he slept all day long on a rug. There was an old warlock of Rhodes Whose familiars were poisonous toads. He said ‘Stick a straw In the animal’s maw And blow hard till the bastard explodes.’
There was a young woman called Slattery Who had a small win on the lottery. She bought a new suit Then got pissed as a newt And spent the remainder on pottery.
A young girl named Susan Sinclair Had beautiful, flowing fair hair. I never quite knew What she used for shampoo But I know passers-by used to stare. A young priest from old Buenos Aires Was addicted to saying his prayers Whilst walking the street, The parishioners he’d meet Would reward him with apples and pears.
There was a young fellow from Brest Who succeeded in his driving test. He seemed overjoyed As he swerved to avoid A brunette with a very large chest.
There was a young lady named Joan Who took out a very large loan. She soon lost her job So she made a few bob By conversing with men on the phone. A woman from Trincomalee Spent most of her life drinking tea. When asked why ’twas so, She replied ‘I don’t know And it doesn’t much matter to me.’
There was a young man from Tanzania Who suffered from megalomania. He divorced his wife, Alice Then built a huge palace And called himself King of Albania.
There was a young man from Seattle Who used to breed specialist cattle. His herds were expensive And so darned extensive, He rounded them up with a rattle. There was a young man from Brindisi Who one day felt awfully queasy. He spewed up his guts, Tripe, diced carrot and nuts And made it look frightfully easy.
A woman from Bexhill-on-Sea Was itching, one day, for a pee. To a chorus of chants She lowered her pants And started to piss copiously.
There was a young fellow from Leeds Who swallowed a packet of seeds. He shouted in grief: ‘I’ve sprouted a leaf, Six shoots, fourteen roots and two weeds!’ There was a young lady called Gertie Whose clothes were incredibly dirty. She said ‘I’ll get clean When my washing machine Arrives this afternoon at four-thirty.’
There was a young lady from Spain Whose face was more ugly than plain. Her brother said ‘Poor sis She frightens the horses And yet she’s incredibly vain.’
This very same lady from Spain Used to cycle to work in the rain. But the rain shrank her shirt, Her sombrero and skirt So these days she travels by train. This unfortunate lady from Spain Did little but moan and complain. Always griping and groaning Or indignantly ’phoning, She became as well-known as John Wayne.
There was a young man from Havana Who had an unfortunate manner; Always shouting and screaming, Cursing God and blaspheming And threatening his dad with a spanner.
There was a young chap from Pembroke Who was quite an ordinary bloke. He had a slight lisp Like a will o’ the wisp, Ate potatoes and drank diet Coke. There was a young wastrel named Benny Who seldom had more than a penny. From the time he awoke, He was depressed and broke And his girlfriends were not very many.
There was a young man from Messina Who began an affair with the cleaner; He had to manoeuvre His way round the hoover To suggest a more intimate arena.
There was a young man from Hong Kong Whose tongue was exceedingly long. He said ‘I don’t care If the women all stare. I don’t feel I’ve done anything wrong.’ In India where it’s so hot, It generally rains not a jot But every June Descends the monsoon Which causes the houses to rot.
There was a young man from Lahore Whose family were dreadfully poor. They owned only one cow And had no idea how They were going to breed any more.
There was a young man from Madras Who was warned not to walk on the grass. He returned an hour later With his mater and pater And all three crossed the grass on their ass. There was a young drunk from Calcutta Who examined the stars from the gutter. He slurred ‘Unless someone’s lying, That cluster’s Orion And the Milky Way’s churning to butter.’
There was a young lady from China Who wanted an agent to sign her. She said ‘I can act. I’m a model of tact And learnt conjuring tricks on a liner.’
An avant-garde artist from Cairo Begged to borrow his brother’s blue biro. He kept it a week Till it started to leak After copying some abstracts by Miro. There was a young man from Tibet Who caught a mad dog in a net. The authorities argued: ‘This beast is embargoed And not suitable as a pet.’
A young Chinese man in Kentucky Was feeling incredibly lucky. So he put his last buck On a horse named ‘Dick Duck’ And when it came last, shouted ‘Dlat!’
There was a young lady of Perth Prone to low self-esteem and self worth. She said to her shrink, ‘I’m fat, ugly and stink,’ Whilst her mother exploded with mirth. There was an old man from Bridgewater Who had an extraordinary daughter. On farmland or fen, She seduced most local men And led them like lambs to the slaughter.
There was a young lady from Bude Who liked to sunbathe in the nude. But the sight of a cloud Or a gathering crowd Made her language unspeakably crude.
In the old town of Kingston on Hull Where the weather is cloudy and dull, There lived a tight sailor Who felt quite a failure As he followed the flight of a gull. There was an old lady from Cowes Who planted her seeds in neat rows. But the very next day They had vanished away, Carried off by the ravens and crows.
There was a young man from Dolgellau Who had a voluminous belly. He said ‘I’m not fat. I’m big-boned and that’s that. Get the beers in! I’m watching the telly.’
There was a young chap from Penzance Who always had ants in his pants. He couldn’t sit still For a minute until He came first at the rugby club dance. There was an old soldier from Chester Who allowed a slight flesh wound to fester. ‘If you don’t keep it clean, You’ll develop gangrene,’ Warned his wife. He replied ‘Please don’t pester.’
An overweight woman from Reading Wanted a memorable wedding. Her imagination ran riot So she went on a diet And bragged of the weight she was shedding.
This much slimmer woman from Reading Made plans for her perfect white wedding. She sent invitations To her friends and relations And advised them to bring their own bedding. This unfortunate woman from Reading Had to cancel her wonderful wedding. Her suntanned fiancé Confessed he was gay And for San Francisco was heading.
There was a young man from Manila Whose favourite taste was vanilla. A recurring dream Was to gorge on ice-cream Whilst reciting the poems of Schiller.
There was an old hippy on Sark Who liked to get up with the lark. He would spend all day long Just enjoying its song As he aimlessly strolled round the park. There was a young girl from Bordeaux Who usually went with the flow. Disliking confessions, Her favourite expressions Were ‘Peut-etre. Je ne sais pas. I don’t know.’
An elderly woman from Rhyl Trapped her arthritic hands in a till. The till drawer was levered But her fingers were severed Leaving her feeling mortally ill.
There is a verse form called the limerick Which forces the poet five rhymes to pick. Don’t think I’m complaining (They’re quite entertaining) But after a while you get sick of it. A reclusive poet named Ed Took Roget’s Thesaurus to bed. Lewis Carroll inclined To unburden his mind By standing for hours on his head.
There was an old poet called Ed Who's now over a hundred years dead. His verse was enduring, Relaxed, reassuring, Which is probably why he's still read.
There was a young man from Swansea Who would only eat Welsh cakes for tea. I know this because His girlfriend (called Ros) Revealed it on prime-time TV.
There was a young man from Cardiff Whose poodle jumped over a cliff. She bounced like a ball Till some rocks broke her fall And then lay immobile and stiff.
There was a young songbird called Carys Whose name was as Welsh as wild cherries But one rainy day She decamped to L.A. Where the weather was better for tennis.
There was an old actor called Hopkins Whose habit of stealing the napkins He carried too far, When this world-famous star Presented them to Eileen Atkins.
There was an Archbishop called Rowan Who said that the gap was still growing Between the rich and the poor, The ceiling and floor And he hated the way things were going.
There was an old man from Edinburgh Who turned a peculiar colour. His friend said it was Basically because He'd been drinking faster than he could swallow.
There was a loan shark from Glasgow Who thought it worth starting a row About a slight debt Run up with regret Almost a lifetime ago.
The Chancellor enjoyed a good brunch Of haggis, peas and credit crunch. He said with a grin As he wiped off his chin, 'There's no such thing as a free lunch!'
There was a young lady named Sarah; A figure, than whom, few were fairer. A benevolent sort, She helped to support Her brother – a penniless carer.
There was a young woman called Carla Who began a new life in Australia. She took an interesting route (From religieuse to pute) And all to the soundtrack of Mahler!
There was a young lady named Chris (A voluptuous vision of bliss!) A practical joker, She was brilliant at poker And generally taking the piss.
There was a young lady named Julie Whose pubic hair was long and woolly. The best she could do Was hide it in her shoe And use it to power her own pulley.
A middle-aged dancer called Beverley Was choreographed rather cleverly. As sharp as a pin But alas, not as thin – She sloped off to the can, panting heavily.
There was a young lady named Hilary Whose favourite food was sliced celery. Just like her mum Valerie She counted each calorie She permitted in every capillary.
There was a young lady named Carol Who liked her beer straight from the barrel. In snug or saloon She would sup a galloon And then slowly remove her apparel.
There was an old widow called Mandy Who often felt frightfully randy:- 'A little while later I'll dig out my vibrator But for now I'll just have a hand shandy.'
There was a young lady named Vicki Whose hands were incredibly sticky So she'd wrap them in bandages Whilst making her sandwiches As doing the housework was tricky.
There was a young lady called Marty Who was widely considered a smartie. Atractive and dashin’ In the latest fashion, She was always the first at a party.
There was a young rock star called Amy Whose demeanour suggested 'Please lay me!' One of life's mugs, She got stuck on hard drugs And now she just sounds rather samey.
There was a young singer named Charlotte Who led the louche life of a starlet. Not frowning but waving With her husband Gavin, She could never be labelled a harlot.
There was a young chanteuse named Posh Who used to enjoy getting sloshed And then she would rave With her husband called Dave Who was superb at earning the dosh!
There was an old diva called Cher Whose favourite fashion was fur But more important than fashion Was her attachment to passion And the number of hearts she could stir.
There was an old slapper called Madge Who'd acquired every T-shirt and badge But her shrieks and her wails Did not dent the sales Of her albums or shots of her vag.
There was a young singer called Britney (The Caucasian successor to Whitney.) She caused a few snickers By forgetting her knickers And other events of that kidney.
There was a young model called Jordan Whose detractors accused her of whoredom. She'd paid a fortune to pump Up her breasts and her rump And didn't do dullness or boredom.
There was an actress called Angelina Whose body grew leaner and leaner. She said 'I feel sad. Please make love to me, Brad, And let's christen the child Indo-China.'
There was an old rocker called Keith Who fell out of a tree on his teeth But thanks to the Virgin And the skill of the surgeon He won't yet be needing a wreath!
There was an old rocker named Mick Whose lips were so large he could lick His whole body clean From his arse to his spleen But after he'd feel a bit sick.
There was an old rocker called Ronnie Whose major concern was the money. As thin as a rake, He looked just like a snake That had swallowed an innocent bunny.
There was an old drummer named Charlie Whose favourite food was dried barley. He sat on his bum Double-bashing his drum And looked a bit like Charlie Farley.
There was a young poet called Simon Who was pretty clever at rhymin'. He could rhyme lozenges With objects like oranges And hymen with names like Bill Wyman.
There was a young lady named Heather Who didn't depend on the weather For doing her charity And saving humanity Whilst singing out loud 'Come together!' There was an old rocker called Macca Whose attractive new wife was a cracker. She could not sing or dance But she spotted her chance To relieve him of many a smacker.
There was an old drummer called Ringo Who had the good looks of a dingo. A man of few words, He didn't bother with birds And spent his free time playing bingo.
There was an old beatle named John Whose memory just goes on and on. I remember the day He was taken away But his records still sell by the ton.
There was an old beatle called George Who liked to spend time at the forge. Though not too prolific His songs were terrific And caused quite a lump in one's gorge.
An inveterate rocker named Rod Believed himself a gift from God To the fair sex Though his withered old pecs Resembled the fins on a cod.
There was an old rocker named Elton Who performed with his braces and belt on But he could still rock Right round the croc - I believe his next gig is in Melton.
There was an old crooner called Cliff Whose manhood just wouldn't grow stiff. He cried like Niagara Till he tried some Viagra - Now he's under the doctor for syph!
There was a newsreader named Alice Who knew neither envy nor malice. She made so much money, You won't find it funny That she lived in a mansion in Paris.
There was a broadcaster called Kirsty Who said she felt hungry and thirsty So she drank a wee dram Plus a tequila slam And found that she felt even worstie!
I've noticed that Daniel Day-Lewis Would rather be greenish than blueish. Although he might wish He’d been born Oirish, The simple fact is that he’s Jewish.
There was an evangelist named Todd (A true emissary from God) The stadium went quiet Then erupted in riot When he proclaimed the word of the Lord!
There was an eccentric called Mike Who travelled the world on his trike. He would only cease pedalling To scream ‘Please stop meddling!’ At the demons controlling his psyche.
Afterword
About editors I'd like to speak Who rub salt in the wounds of the weak. Their evasions are agile, Their egos are fragile And their friends well-connected and sleek.
I've lost count of the manuscripts sent To the Poetry Establishment But because I'm unknown To these 'kings on their throne' They bounce back like boomerangs, bashed and bent.
You petition these kings on their throne But they won't even throw you a bone. Although you have kneeled, They're hermetically sealed Inside, and you're outside alone. You pray for a wave of their wand But a negligent shove of their hand Makes you fight back the tears As you count up the years Since your dreams disappeared into sand.
They think that they're doing so well Though the poets they pick seldom sell. If it wasn't for us Paying tax without fuss, They'd all be on the highway to hell.
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