As much as I like Bragg's political stuff, I always find myself coming back to The Short Answer. It really is well-written: sad, funny, romantic, and reminiscent.
I enjoy the lines you mentioned plus: "If she wanted to be a farmer's wife, I would endure that muddy life, I would dig for victory." Showing here how he would do anything to have her.
And: "no amount of poetry Would mend this broken heart But you can put the Hoover round If you want to make a start". Funny but also showing that she doesn't share his romance of the relationship.
And: "Her two brothers took me out Of circulation for the duration". Hints that family didn't like him either?
As much as I like Bragg's political stuff, I always find myself coming back to The Short Answer. It really is well-written: sad, funny, romantic, and reminiscent.
I enjoy the lines you mentioned plus: "If she wanted to be a farmer's wife, I would endure that muddy life, I would dig for victory." Showing here how he would do anything to have her. And: "no amount of poetry Would mend this broken heart But you can put the Hoover round If you want to make a start". Funny but also showing that she doesn't share his romance of the relationship. And: "Her two brothers took me out Of circulation for the duration". Hints that family didn't like him either?