Parrots, the Universe and Everything

Almost 90 minutes. One man on stage. No props. No fancy slideshow or snazzy film. No music. Just talking to the audience, and a bit of reading from one of his books. Can't think of very many people who could pull that off.



The talk is about his travels while writing Last Chance to See, which he expresses great affection for. "The runt of the litter," he calls it.

Mr Singh, you're quite a charmer
Looks like India has good karma*
This is better than Obama
What say?

* You have to say 'karma' with an American accent

Can't thank all you voters enough
You did your job, you got the stuff
You've shown em who is really tough
Yay you!

Coffee's drunk, and I've cleared my head
To office now, the old tin shed
The magazine's almost in bed
What joy!

At last the elections are done
*sigh* Now what will we do for fun
Since IPL games we do shun?
Yay books!

What shall we write poems about?
Is there anything worth a shout?
Ah yes, the defeat of the louts!
Yay voters!

Witty friends and conversation:
Cabbages, kings, and inflation
The better writers in the nation
Like that

Dinner after the launch was had
Though the muzak was rather sad
The food and booze were not half-bad
Burp

Got my copy signed, bought lots more
Enough to read for weeks and more
But me bank balance is sure
Depleted

Amit read, with much impact
A well-chosen short extract
In which the protagonist climaxed
I swear