Catchphrase

In Competition No. 2466 you were invited to supply a poem or piece of prose ending with the phrase ‘It seemed like a good idea at the time.’ These words, according to Eric Partridge’s definition, are ‘applied in retrospect, jocularly or ruefully, to anything done impulsively with disastrous consequences, whether or not those were foreseeable at the moment of action’, like, I suppose, the self-castration of the priests of Cybele or the invasion of Iraq. I move aside to make room for six prizewinners, who get £25 each. The bonus fiver goes to Piers Geddes, who, if memory serves, is a newcomer. But if memory serves, it is often a fault.

When Clovis the Frank wanted peace with his neighbours,
A break from rebellions and rest from his labours,
He sent invitations to tea on the lawn
And afternoon sports, mixing judgment with brawn.
To Ostrogoth, Visigoth, Vandal and Hun
Refreshments were offered and the games were begun;
The chatter was cordial, banter quite jokey,
Till someone suggested a quick game of croquet.
Smiles