63 Comments

Sorry, I'm a bit behind in my reading. Congratulations to your son!! I'm not sure how this new "no" phrase would work in other cultures. Would someone look at me and be concerned that I don't know how to use a fork? I married into an English family and if I was to use this polite phrase, there would be silence and then resumption as if I said nothing.

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I'm pretty sure I'm going to try to work on a version of this to say "no" in other ways as well. I have such a hard time with that little word. I'll be interested to see where you take this.

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It’s been occupying a lot of space in my brain.

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I love this concept. I am stealing it for my next family upheaval - a perfect way to simultaneously break tension and express what I feel. Looking forward to where you take this poem.

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Thanks, Leigh.

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Love it! What a beautiful way to say no.

Congratulations to your son!

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Thanks!

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It was published in 1974, still in print, available on Amazon...

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My new friend offers me a newer dish—

A seafood stew that I instantly hate.

I should say, “I don’t know how to eat this,”

But, too polite to be honest, I finish

My serving. Offered more, I pat my waist

And say I’m too full to eat more of this.

If I were to say, "I don't like you,"

That would be even less polite.

"I don't know how to like you," I won't say either.

And it's not true, anyway.

I do like my new friend, if possibly a little less

Now that I don't know how to eat her stew.

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Tara,

Never sure how to post a pic (of bumpersticker) on Subsnack, Not wanting to get shot, I shy away from most political bumperstickers, however, I saw that inarguable one and bought it on Ammo Zone...nice size and $5.50 each (when I ordered mine)...

Forgot two things on my too hurried entry yesterday: First: Best of the Best with #1 Son's next adventures, Sherman. And Second: my Bush era weblog was/is www.FRESHCHAOS.com . It is still up, however, no new entries after W became a world famoose arteesto.

Jeff Hartzer

Albuquerque

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Something to ruminate on! Much congratulations to your son; enjoy your celebration!

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Thanks!

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Congrats to your son!

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Thanks, Kevin!

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Thank you for the gift of this phrase. I feel it will havesny uses.

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Thanks, Grace.

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That quote is perfect! I might try adapting it for an American audience. Not sure I’ll have much success...

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Ha!

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This is great! Wish I'd thought of this when my mother got a bowl of oyster stew she hated!

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Hahahahah!

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Thank you so much for introducing this concept. This is such a rich phrase and idea.

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Thank you, Summer

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I'm looking forward to seeing the poem in a later form.

I may reference this in something I'm writing—with credit, of course!

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Congratulations to the boy my friend. He'll take on the world. 👍

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Thanks, Mark!

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Congratulations to your son on his graduation. :).

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Thanks, Olga.

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😂I like your reaction better!

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Hahahaha

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