Luton’s Favourite Son
The brilliant performance poet, JOHN HEGLEY, has entertained the nation since the 1980s with his many books of poetry and his appearances on tour and on television and radio. I am a big fan of his and so was inspired to write something in the Hegley style just after attending a seminar and one-man show he gave at a local university. I sent this to John and he wrote back with a little personalised rhyme just for me and wished me all the best with The Poem Shop. I was thrilled to be commended by such a luminary of the world of contemporary poetry. Here are some extracts of what I sent to John.
ON WINNING THE TALLEST SUNFLOWER COMPETITION AT WORK
On winning the tallest sunflower competition at work
I wondered if anyone had seen me lurk-
ing on my way home,
by the plot,
secretly willing the gardening staff to be tilling
I wondered if anyone had seen me lurk-
ing on my way home,
by the plot,
secretly willing the gardening staff to be tilling
it a lot,
in the particular spot
where my little seedling was growing
and then I could be showing
off how I could chat to shrubs and flowers
and had powers
like those of Prince Charles, the heir to the throne,
but only when he’s alone………..
in the particular spot
where my little seedling was growing
and then I could be showing
off how I could chat to shrubs and flowers
and had powers
like those of Prince Charles, the heir to the throne,
but only when he’s alone………..
THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE BATHROOM
Well renowned for his knowledge of things transatlantic
I recall Ian best for the day I was frantic
because my dog, Brenda, was trapped in the loo -
I was almost hysterical, what could I do?
I’d shut her away for she’d been a bad hound -
she’d barked lots at first but then, no, not a sound.
But the door was stuck fast and I couldn’t get in -
Lord, I hadn’t meant Brenda to die for her sin!……….
I recall Ian best for the day I was frantic
because my dog, Brenda, was trapped in the loo -
I was almost hysterical, what could I do?
I’d shut her away for she’d been a bad hound -
she’d barked lots at first but then, no, not a sound.
But the door was stuck fast and I couldn’t get in -
Lord, I hadn’t meant Brenda to die for her sin!……….
