29 JUNE 1991, Page 30

Something

A conversation reported in Ginsberg by Barry Miles But what happens if I get old or something?

Asked the most famous poet on the planet Really wanting to know. What happens if My face collapses like a pomegranate But nothing works to keep my pecker stiff And Peter doesn't love me? It's a dumb thing, A glum thing, numb thing, if you get old or something.

People will always like you. You're a nice person.

A good answer, most of us would agree, From a good shrink, the famous poet's friend.

It handed him permission to be free And people did always like him. If, near the end, Poor Peter got shot to hell, well, some things worsen When you're old or something, even the nicest person.

John Whitworth