I expect I'll be away from my blog for the next several days (although there IS a free business center in the hotel, so if anything crucial happens--or if I've just had too much wine--it's possible you'll get a mid-conference update), but I wanted to post this before I left.

As I've mentioned, although I rather like flying, I'm always half-convinced that I'm going to die in a fiery explosion every time I do so. There's a poem that I sometimes take with me when I fly and that involves travelling and the fear of death--but unfortunately I can't post it, since it's weirdly related to the conference I'm about to attend. So here's a second best, by my boy Tommy N.


A Litany in Time of Plague

Adieu, farewell, earth's bliss,
This world uncertain is;
Fond are life's lustful joys,
Death proves them all but toys,
None from his darts can fly;
I am sick, I must die.
Lord, have mercy on us!

Rich men, trust not in wealth,
Gold cannot buy you health;
Physic himself must fade,
All things to end are made.
The plague full swift goes by;
I am sick, I must die.
Lord, have mercy on us!

Beauty is but a flower
Which wrinkles will devour;
Brightness falls from the air,
Queens have died young and fair,
Dust hath closed Helen's eye.
I am sick, I must die.
Lord, have mercy on us!

Strength stoops unto the grave,
Worms feed on Hector brave;
Swords must not fight with fate,
Earth still holds ope her gate.
"Come, come!" the bells do cry.
I am sick, I must die.
Lord, have mercy on us!

Wit with his wantonness
Tasteth death's bitterness;
Hell's executioner
Hath no ears for to hear
What vain art can reply.
I am sick, I must die.
Lord, have mercy on us!

Haste, therefore, each degree,
To welcome destiny;
Heaven is our heritage,
Earth but a player's stage;
Mount we unto the sky.
I am sick, I must die.
Lord, have mercy on us!