[John Whitworth]

I haven't won for a long time here, but this is the sort of thing I can do. I feel the crinkle of notes in my pocket. I do.

No. 2843: poet’s choice


You are invited to incorporate the surnames of the following well-known poets into an amusing poem (16 lines maximum) or piece of prose (150 words maximum): motion, bridges, wilde, gray, cope, hood, burns, browning. Please italicise names and feel free to squeeze in extras of your own if you feel like showing off. Entries should be emailed, wherever possible, to lucy@spectator.co.uk by midday on 9 April.

[George Simmers]

Do you think we're allowed wild without the e?

[Roger Slater]

Good question, George. I don't think "wilde" is even an archaic word, let alone a modern one, so I don't see how it could possibly be used like the other names, all of which are words in their own right.

[Rob Stuart]

Perhaps you could incorporate it into other words, such as wilder, wildest but I would assume you're allowed to pun on the names.

[Roger Slater]

My life has been a slippery slope
of tragedies with which to cope
and bridges that I've had to cross.
As each bridge burns, I've felt the loss.
In winter frost I raise my hood.
The leaves are browning in the wood.
My heart's in motion, wilde and gay.
The hues of autumn fade to gray.

[Sylvia Fairley]

Originally Posted by Rob Stuart

Perhaps you could incorporate it into other words, such as wilder, wildest but I would assume you're allowed to pun on the names.

I thought I'd try to weave wildebeest into the narrative. What do you think? Will I get away with it? It might rather limit the subject matter!

[Rob Stuart]

If you can pull that off, Sylvia, you'll be unbeatable.

[Roger Slater]

If wildebeest is allowed, then I suppose you could also use wilderness, wilder, and wildest.

[Jim Hayes]

For Roger;
In winter frost I raise my hood

[Roger Slater]

Thanks, Jim! Will do.