"I've often thought that I would like...

...to be the saddle of a bike."

This little couplet is attributed to the great 20th Century queer poet W.H. Auden.

It sprang to my mind when I came across this old print ad in an issue of Life Magazine from 1952, since it seemed to this, uh, jaundiced eye, that the visual seemed to capture some time warp cruising.

Yes: "other times, other tastes" indeed.

I just love the copy here: "...I ought to know, it's Blatz, Blatz, Blatz, wherever you go."

What an infelicitous name for a product. Sounds more like an onomatopoetic name for a laxative. Who knows, that might have been a side effect of this product.

I shouldn't poke fun. This product actually still exists, and has its own fan website. I've just never been a beer drinker of any sort. I just find myself in agreement with Auden's sentiments — until I think of the opening scene of John Waters' Desperate Living where Mink Stole's husband is smothered under the enormous butt of their housekeeper.

No. I suppose the lines of Auden that most inspire me, especially since this post goes up as I am taking the sea air in Cherry Grove, are from another poem attributed to him: A Day for a Lay. And whether he wrote it or not, it sure is a fun read.

Comments

[Zigmo Parcheesi]

At times I've thought the same thing, but probably thinking of different riders.
Now that you mention/blog it - I think Blatz beer is somewhere deep in my subconscious, although I think I always thought it was a joke product. I find it a little disturbing that you've shredded an, albeit minor, thread in my tapestry of beliefs.
Still, perhaps I should rejoice that you've stripped away another of my illusions to better allow me to see the truth.
In either case, I'm now curious and, while not a big beer drinker either, will keep an eye open for Blatz beer.

[AQJB]

Hey Zig,
If you do find some Blatz perhaps we can raise a glass at the coming New Year, eh?

[sam]

A Day for a Lay is wonderful. I had never read it before. Thanks for turning me on to it.