Dead Poetry Society.

Dead Poetry Society. DEAD POETRY SOCIETY Ray discusses the permanent goings of the literary word: "The Post looks back every January on those whom have transferred their residency to beneath the grass or being blown in the wind, and invites readers to commemorate their departure in clever verse. Here are some of the "dead lines" humorously eulogizing the class of 2008: Bobby Fischer was to chess What Saint Laurent was to the dress: A luminous creative force. He soon became world champ, of course, Which made the Russians truly sick (Too bad he was a lunatic). The millionaire'd vowed to balloon o'er the main, Despite the naysayers who'd scoff. But alas, the good luck didn't hold for his plane, And the gods had Steve Fossett turned off. Mel Ferrer: Mel is dead and buried where He won't be coming up Ferrer. Charlton Heston's stiff and cold; His time on earth is done. I guess they finally got the chance To pry away his gun. I first saw sexy Bettie Page In '55, when 10 years old, And still today my hormones rage. I bet she's Heaven's centerfold. For Bet-tie Page, the die is cast. Around the globe, men fly half-mast. Donald Westlake, aka Richard Stark: Donald Westlake, Richard Stark, Their work was none too shoddy. Two writers died last year, but cops Have only found one body. "This is the first year I was aware of this dead giveaway contest so I submitted two overly ambitious entries of my own. I now see brevity is the key. I'm looking forward to this year's crop of deceased. Anyway, here are the two I submitted, losers both." ALBERT HOFMANN Albert Hofmann discovered LSD And opened minds so all could see. Now purple cows were everywhere, On hallowed ground and in the air. It was fun to hallucinate, To go around in altered state. And when he died at 102 His purple cows were still in view. Not to worry, it was a fact, He left this world with mind intact. He said goodbye with tears and hugs-- His final trip was not from drugs! EARTHA KITT (She died on December 25.) Dear Eartha Kitt had style and grit. She made a song that was a hit. "Santa Baby", she sang her way. How apt she died on Christmas day. When Santa came, the story's told, He left for her ... a lump of gold. DAVID MORICE Iowa City, Iowa