Not poetry, but I think it looks promising. I myself, with all due modesty, believe I possess a flair for trash-- which I'm sure many of you do too, if you'll only reach into your inner garbage cans.
No. 2587: Open and shut case
The annual Bulwer–Lytton contest challenges entrants to come up with a magnificently bad opening to an imaginary novel. You are invited to submit a first paragraph so appalling that it is guaranteed to repel any would-be reader (150 words maximum). Entries to ‘Competition 2587’ by 12 March or email
lucy@spectator.co.uk.
BTW, John, I hope you don't feel I've usurped you as nuncio of the Speccie competition. And, thanks for putting us on to this competition. Really fun, a great time waster, and I've made more money on these than I've made on poetry in a good number of years (0.00, in round figures.)