Prizewinner!

~

I want to win a poetry prize

get my name in lights

be promoted as Poet Laureate

to reach poetry’s giddy heights,

the problem’s subject matter

what’s in and what’s left out

knowing what the judges want

mild pathos with some clout,

there has to be some tragedy

large dollops of abuse

outrage, poverty, suffering

for my entry to be of use,

I need a heart-wrenching storyline

tales of dread from far-off lands

war, famine, earthquake

someone’s blood upon my hands,

but it’s proving rather troublesome

not as easy as I’d thought

my experiences somewhat lacking

my angst has come to nought

there’s precious little jeopardy

deadly danger next to none

my home life’s nice and peaceful

so, my quest has come undone,

no one wants a poem on

trees or flowers, peace and love

good friends and friendly neighbours

fresh air swirling round above

so, I’m thinking of giving up the ghost

take an emigration hiatus

I’ll wash up on the Isle of Wight

and claim my refugeeing status,

then at last I’ll feel fully justified

to write my Forward winner

about my voyage o’er the waves

and still be back for dinner

*

© Graham R Sherwood 10/23