Posted By Samantha Fisher Is this what you are on about? T'was a dangerous cliff, as they freely confessed Though to walk near its crest was so pleasant; But over its terrible edge there had slipped A duke and full many a peasant. The people said something would have to be done But their projects did not at all tally Some said put a fence around the edge of the cliff Some 'an ambulance down in the valley' The lament of the crowd was profound and was loud As their hearts overflowed with their pity, But the cry for the ambulance carried the day As it spread through the neighbouring city. A collection was made to accumilate aid And dwellers in high-rise and alley Gave pounds or pence, not to furnish a fence, But an ambulance down in the valley. For the cliff is quite safe, if you're careful they said, 'And if people should slip and are dropping- It isn't the slipping that hurts them so much As the shock down below when they're stopping.' So for years we have heard as these mishaps occured, Quick forth would the rescuers sally. To pick up the victims who fell from the cliff With the ambulance down in the valley. Said one as his plea 'it's amazing to me That you'd give so much greater attention To repairing the results than to curing the cause, You had much better aim at prevention. 'For the mischief of course, should be stopped at its sourse- Come, neighbours and friends, let us rally. It is far better sense to rely on a fence Than an ambulance down in the valley.' He's daft in the head' the majority said. He would end all our earnest endeavour. He's a man who would shirk this responsible work But we will support it forever.' 'Aren't we picking up all, just as fast as they fall. And giving them care liberally? A superfluous fence is of no consequence If the ambulance works in the valley.'

Posted By Audrey Silver Used by John Denver, who credited "Anon". I have a slightly longer version, although unduly so, but will add a final - and important - summary verse. "Now this story seems queer as I've given it here, But things oft occur which are stranger. More humane we assert to repair the hurt, Than the plan of removing the danger. The best possible course would be to safeguard the source, And to attend to things rationally. Yes, build up the fence, and therefore dispense, with this ambulance down in the valley."

Posted By Geoff Burt Audrey Interesting. Do you have any more information? Who is John Denver? Geoff

Posted By Ron Hunter Some of our readers seem to have little sense of the ironic. Stop being cruel Geoff. Nice poem, but I thought ultimately self-defeating when considered against Occupiers Liability Acts and duty of care of (e.g. Local Authorities)