BE THAT AS IT MAY

Press, 30 May 1981, Page 14

BE THAT AS IT MAY

By WHIM WHAM The words ‘Smoking can endanger health’ are to be changed to ‘Smoking may endanger your health’ on cigarette packets. . . A Health Department spokesman could not explain why lean’ will be changed to ‘may’.—News. Take note, Sir. When I say CAN, I don't mean MAY. Either Word being glossable As an Indication of the Possible, There are Shades, Nuances Of which the Significance is (Or MAY or CAN be) important - One oughtn't To be careless how one plays With one s CANS and MAYS. E.g. I CAN light that Cigarette But I MAY not, or not just yet - But if I (or the Law) say No, You MAY NOT go Past this Point, it s forbidden! The Meaning’s not hidden. Yet if Yow say to Me, ‘You MAY not agree’, You mean I CAN, if I refuse to It’s because I don't choose to; I MAY not, there's no Need to add, I'd be mad! Knowing Smoking CAN harm You MAY somewhat alarm You — Will you give It away When you’re told that It MAY’? CAN there be a subtle Shade Of Menace in the MAY, if you’re made More afraid —? ’ Of course, we mustn’t ENDANGER tiie Trade, It s a big Step still From the MAY’ or the CAN — to the WILL!