Poetry Please

[Alf Peddler]

I’ve just heard Ms. Anna M.C’s name mentioned on Poetry Please. She requested a poem entitled Family Affair. Quite liked it, although I can’t believe anyone would actually call a dog Rover. I’d have thought Up Before The Beak was one of her favourite poems – certainly one of mine.

Regards to everyone on the Island

Alf

[Crusoe]

Are they running short of requests for “Poetry please”, I wonder? Or were strings pulled to make sure that Ms MC’s choice got aired?

I suppose that some people might call dogs Rover. A John Hegley poem (“Very Bad Dog”)that begins:

“I took Rover over to the park, the other day”

Alf said:

I’d have thought Up Before The Beak was one of her favourite poems – certainly one of mine.

Hee hee, an excellent choice. I’m sure the Beak would be delighted.

Alf said:

Regards to everyone on the Island

And to you, Alf.

[Alf Peddler]

webb said:

Are they running short of requests for “Poetry please”, I wonder? Or were strings pulled to make sure that Ms MC’s choice got aired?

I'd be very surprised if this were the case. I’ve heard Leoni Burke’s (lovely lady, regular R4 MB poster and devoted radio listener) name mentioned on PP and I doubt if she knows any of the high-ups at R4.

I suppose that some people might call dogs Rover. A John Hegley poem (“Very Bad Dog”)that begins:

“I took Rover over to the park, the other day”

Yes, I'd forgotten about this. It's always struck me that Billy would be a nice name for a dog.

‘Up Before The Beak’ was written by the Dundonian poet, Jock McLoosmore. Are you familiar with his work? ‘Up Before The Beak’ is about a crooked market trader who sells trousers with a turn-up on just one leg. Instead of a washing instruction label, the small print reads: ’in the event of a complaint, please email: [e-mail].’

The emails flood in at Kecks.com and the crooked market trader ignores them all – much to his cost as the poem makes clear. I’ve written in to PP requesting it, but I doubt if anyone called Alf would have a request broadcast on R4.

[Crusoe]

Alf said:

I’ve heard Leoni Burke’s (lovely lady, regular R4 MB poster and devoted radio listener) name mentioned on PP and I doubt if she knows any of the high-ups at R4.

Ah yes, I remember her from the BBC messageboards: as you say, a wonderful lady. I agree it’s unlikely that she is “an insider”.

Alf said:

‘Up Before The Beak’ was written by the Dundonian poet, Jock McLoosmore. Are you familiar with his work? ‘Up Before The Beak’ is about a crooked market trader who sells trousers with a turn-up on just one leg. Instead of a washing instruction label, the small print reads: ’in the event of a complaint, please email: [e-mail].’

I have not heard his work, unfortunately although a Loosemore tale of one whose wares constantly fall short of his customers’ expectations is a sadly familiar one. I wonder where Mr McLoosemore found the inspiration.

[Alf Peddler]

webb said:

I wonder where Mr McLoosemore found the inspiration.

Perhaps Mr. McLoosmore was sold a bent copy of 'Donald Where's Your Trewsers'?