[Pedro Poitevin]

Nemo, I don't see the poem as saying anything about the poem. It is a poem about self-reference, but it is not a self-referential poem. To me, a self-referential poem is one that refers to itself, not to N, or to N's taking N or N's poetry too seriously.

(Not that this should count against it, but I do agree with Michael that it feels like a well executed but safe and suburban poem.)

[Susan McLean]

This is neat, ironic, clear, and enjoyable. It has broad appeal in a light-verse way and doesn't take itself too seriously. But it also doesn't seem to take the kind of risks that keep one coming back to a poem long after one has read it.

Susan

[Roger Slater]

Not that it matters, Pedro, but I think it is self-referential because "I settle down to wring" implies that we are now reading the very words that the poet tells us he is settling down to write.

[John Whitworth]

Re rhymes for 'World'. The scots have a nice word 'birled' which meams, according to The Scottish Dictionary 'turned or twisted with a revolving movement'. I just thought I'd say.

[Catherine Chandler]

I used the word `skirl`in one of my poems. I wonder if the word `skirlled`exists. Probably not. Will have to look it up.

[John Beaton]

Birled, skirled, dirled, and thirled are all good.

[David Anthony]

Many thanks to all for their interesting comments and suggestions.

A couple of people suggested this is a mixed metaphor:

"a sharp deflating insight has unfurled/ its wings"

With respect, it is not. It's the robin, metaphorically speaking, heading off to burst N's bubble with its sharp beak.

I wouldn't mention it except I'm quite proud of it.

Best regards,

David

[Adam Elgar]

A piece of work which makes nonsense of the distinction between art and craft. The craftsmanship is exquisite. Maybe, as I think others are saying, it's a bit too everything-in-place, a bit too cool and knowing, but what the hell! - it's a delight, and I'd be happy to write like this any time.