All Things to All Men

Today’s text is taken from St Paul’s epistle to the Corinthians.

“To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.” (1 Corinthians 9:22)

This was written about twenty years after the crucifixion and St P’s drift today has been turned on its head. To be all things to all men is used to suggest trying to satisfy everybody and satisfying nobody.

Margravine Cemetery is about fifteen acres. It has five listed monuments and buildings, is a haven for flora and fauna, including foxes and their cubs, squirrels and undoubtedly rats – ‘tho I’ve never seen one. It is mantled in trees and wild flowers, including garlic. It’s used as a short-cut by commuters, a place to walk dogs and jog, somewhere for children to play and a glorious open space, only 3 1/2 miles from Hyde Park Corner, for everyone to enjoy.

You will remember that two Earls, belted as is customary, enjoyed walking in London parks. If your memory fails you the story is here. Likewise a younger son of an Irish Peer was apprehended in the cemetery some years ago. I had bought a monstrously big double-handed rod to cover the full width of the River Awe and wanted to try it out before going up to Scotland. I waited until almost dusk, the cemetery was empty, and I was able to make gratifyingly long casts. The park keeper came to lock the gates and reproved me for my recklessness – although the cemetery wasn’t busy I could have plucked out somebody’s eye (a text for another day). He retracted all censure when I showed him the bit of wool I’d tied to the end of the line.

So, the cemetery tries to be all things to all men (women, children, foxes and falcons included) and by and large succeeds thanks to the gardeners employed by the Council and some mutual tolerance. Yesterday Bertie eat some bread in the cemetery and wouldn’t have any dinner later. Then he was spectacularly sick and was very shivery. Robert took him to an emergency vet in the night. He had an injection and had recovered by this morning. This coincides with sightings of half dead and dead squirrels so I suspect somebody is putting out poison.