[Jayne Osborn]

Nice neighbours? Neighbours from hell? (Surely not that awful Aussie 'soap' though?)

I've just noticed a discrepancy over the comp numbers: 150 was 'Two Part Return' so this one is 151 and not 150 as it states below (and in the magazine.)

Jayne


COMPETITION NO 151
by Tessa Castro

Having spent a lot of money on soundproofing, I find that I can still hear my new neighbour snoring. A poem, please, on any aspect of Neighbours. Maximum 16 lines.

Entries to ‘Competition 150’ by post (The Oldie, 65 Newman Street, London W1T 3EG), fax (020 7436 8804),
or email (comps@theoldie.co.uk) by 1st June. Don’t forget to include your postal address.

[Marion Shore]

I have a published one. Is that OK, do you think?

[Jayne Osborn]

I'll find out, so that we know for future reference, as I'm not 100% sure of the answer to that question, Marion.

(I wouldn't have thought they're too 'precious' about it at The Oldie.)

Jayne

[John Whitworth]

How would they knw it was published, Marion? Anyway, it doesn't expressly say you can't. Let's take the old fashioned BritishTory view that anything not expressly forbidden is allowed, rather than the Russian Socialist one that anything not expressly allowed is forbidden.

[Brian Allgar]

Or the Nazi regulation that anything that is not expressly forbidden is compulsory.

[John Whitworth]

Touché, Brian. Add the accent at your leisure.

[Marion Shore]

Originally Posted by John Whitworth

How would they knw it was published, Marion?

Yeeks, John! Are you suggesting my oeuvre is not well known throughout the world?!

Thanks to all of you for your reasoning on the already-published issue. You guys should have been medieval theologians. (Maybe you were).

Here's my entry:

NEW NEIGHBOUR

Greetings, neighbour. We’re pleased to welcome you.
We hope you like our fine community.
It’s quite exclusive. What about that view!
The grounds are always tended carefully:
the well-kept lawns, the shrubbery and flowers,
the shaded paths and lanes. Just look around—
We're sure you'll like this neighbourhood of ours.
It's quiet too. You'll barely hear a sound,
situated on this cul-de-sac.
Not many children. Most of us are old.
Your guests are leaving? Don't worry, they'll be back
before you know it. Are those handles gold?
And is that lovely casket cherrywood?
Welcome, welcome, to the neighbourhood!