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I dream of massive, pristine convenience. Brilliant gold taps, virginal white marble, a seat carved from ebony, a cistern full of Chanel No. 5, and a flunky handing me pieces of raw silk toilet roll. But under the circumstances I'll settle for anywhere.

— Renton  ·  Trainspotting

A small metal pail wearing a gold crown rests on a teal cushion beside a loose gold ribbon.
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Behind the line May contain spoilers.

Our reading

An editorial interpretation.

The speaker spins a lavish daydream of ultimate convenience: gold taps, white marble, an ebony seat, a cistern of expensive perfume and an attendant offering silk paper. The extravagance is played for comic contrast, because the closing line admits that, given the desperate circumstances, any humble spot at all will do.

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