Remember the 1970s song, “Short People,” by Randy Newman? According to Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia, and what I remember, many people took offense and even threatened him. He said he wrote it as a satire to prejudice in general. He said he eventually came to dislike the song and its success because of the outcry.

Being short of stature – 5’7” – I initially took offense as well, but in the song, Newman made it clear that "short people are just the same as you and I." Sometimes you have to listen to the lyrics.

I only bring this up because, as happens most of the time, I leave writing this column until Tuesday morning and I sometimes have a lot to say, sometimes not. This week I didn’t and as the deadline neared, I was left with “keeping it short” due to the space available. Read Susan Johns’ piece. It is worth it.

If this part fits – counting my words here – congratulations to Southport Fire Department for a well-run annual auction; great show Y Arts Summer Theater Campers; way to go Schoonerfest organizers, great news Boothbay Region Maritime Foundation; and remember the early deadline – short week – next week due to the holiday.

And if this part fits … I am trying to keep it short … Mother Nature, we still need more rain. Don’t “short” us!