Clarkscript's Books

Limericks as therapy

Many people suffer from anxiety, depression, stress and other disorders that afflict the mind. Wise folk and doctors have recognized that laughter is a great stress reliever and will improve the general health. To be able to escape worries and strife for a time will do you the world of good.

Limericks are particularly suitable for humor and writing or reading them can be a whole lot better than pills, potions and sessions in therapy.

There was an old man with depression
Who went to his shrink for a session;
But the shrink did a bunk,
And so he got drunk,
But now he has learned his leshun!

When work is getting you down and you are in a rage with someone it can be helpful to step back and see the funny side of things for a while. Reading a little verse or writing one can ease the pain. But be careful what your boss sees, he might not have a sense of humor!

The lady who's known as Lou,
Who thought that she knew what to do,
Complained to the boss,
"You are a dead loss."
"I know that," he said, "just like you!"

.

QUEEN HYNDE of Berigonium, Scotland.

by James Hogg (abridged and annotated by William Clark).

Berigonium was the first palace of the Scots, and original home of the Stone of Destiny. Its vitrified remnants perch atop a rock outcrop in Benderloch, Lorn, Argyllshire, Scotland.

The stronghold is also linked with the Ossianic legend of the famed Irish beauty: Deirdre of the Sorrows, and the dashing Sons of Uisneach.

This verse tale by James Hogg is a stirring account of adventure and romance set in the early Scotland of saints and swordsmen.

A young Scottish queen must rule, and seek a husband, whilst in imminent peril from a sea-borne Viking attack. The action ranges from Appin to Dunstaffnage, and crosses to Ireland.

First published in 1825, this abridgment improves the pace and readability of the original. Hogg, who visited the location, claimed the tale to be true -- handed down in story and song -- and many characters are historically authentic.

Whatever the truth, standing on the mighty cliff of Dunvalanrigh (Fort of the King) gazing westwards over the magnificent bay of Ardmucknish it is easy to imagine that great deeds once chose this land as their stage.

And that some beautiful, royal lady gave birth to a legend whose shadows will cling here for ever.



Picture This a natural stone formation close to Queen Hynde's palace of Berigonium. It looks remarkably like a sea deity gazing out to the oceans.