Tribute to Salvador Dali

Those who know me know I'm perhaps the world's most fervent Salvador Dali enthusiast (see my blog: www.meetingdali.blogspot.com). Shortly before the Spanish artist's death (on Jan. 23, 1989), I wrote this poem in tribute to the timeless genius of the Catalan Master:


Ode to Dali: The Fire Dimmed
By Paul Chimera

He retreats into a darkened world,
His body weak and drawn,
A once vital man of mystery,
The drama sadly gone.

Where's the Dali we once knew,
Whose antics made us smile,
Painter of dreams and limpid clocks,
Horizons that stretch for miles?

We weep before your Glasgow Christ,
Whose beauty means compassion,
We praise the sureness of your brush,
Which you guided with such passion.

What your paintings say to me,
No poet can convey,
What words could ever match the grace,
Of your landscapes by the bay.

So cruel the persistence of time can be,
To finally dim the fire,
How dark the shades of night descend,
How sadly they conspire.

"I'll have a 'Jif & Jam'!"

We writers are creative types, which brings me logically to peanut butter. Ok, that nonsequitor sounds like the opening of a Dave Barry column. But here's my sticky point: I've come up with what I'm convinced is the best marketing approach ever for the popular "Jif" brand peanut butter:

Jif & Jam

The idea is deliciously perfect! Jif is so synonymous with peanut butter, that the traditional "peanut butter & jelly" (or jam) sandwich becomes a "Jif & Jam"! Both words start with "J." Both words are one-syllable. They roll off the tongue as easily as grape preserves.

And the concept just plain makes perfect sense. Can't you just picture the TV spot: "Ok, kids, who wants lunch?" mom announces, and the kids come running into the kitchen with "I do! I do!" "And what would you...." mother's question is interrupted with a chorus of "Jif & Jam! Jif & Jam!" (Or "Jif & Jelly" -- they both work admirably, despite jelly having two syllables; the rhythm's still very much there.)

So, dear readers, you've heard it here first. Take note, Jif marketing moguls. I know, I know -- you can steal my idea and never acknowledge it or pay me a dime. But I'm thinking that, if one day the world comes to replace the PB&J with the Jif & Jam, the makers of Jif will at least give me a few cases of the stuff. And maybe some milk.