We have some lovely haikus for you - it will be tough to vote for just one. Please cast your vote (by haiku number) by emailing me (clsneed@ix.netcom.com). Do not post your vote here, it will be deleted. I'll announce the winner Sunday morning.

1. O Fate, worse than debt!
   At the sound of it, I blench.
   How can I retrench?
2. What is to be done?
   Baronet of Kellynch Hall
   Sir Walter, Retrench!
3. Thus spoke Sir Walter:
   I loathe your vile suggestion.
   Retrenchment begone!
4. London, Spring and Balls
   Elizabeth's retrenched wit
   No present for Anne.
5. Debt, debt everywhere
   To retrench seems like the thing
   One cutback, Anne's gift
6. Carriage, horses, Hall;
   Man of stature, taste, and style.
   Retrench: diminished.
7. All pleasures knocked off?
   Comprehensive retrenchment?!?
   I am for . . . Bath
8. I would rather quit
   This old, respectable hall
   Than part with Gowland's!
9. We must have horses,
   Brocades, silks and London Trips;
   Anne's gift - optional
10. Retrench? I cannot!
    A naval man in my house?
    It's unthinkable!
11. Retrench? How ghastly!
    Giving up the finer things?
    Well, you shall, not I!
12. Hair and suit well cut,
    My reflection's worth viewing ......
    Let the low ones wait!
13. Why must I retrench?
    Oh, if you put it like that!
    But no-one must know.
14. Love. Economized,
    retrenched, nestled within wait-
    ing (for only Anne)