It seems to me, the powers that be

have issued some sort of decree

that these days all good poetry

be morbid and rhyme-free.

 

It seems to me they all agree

to be considered worthy

a poet should be all woe-is-me

must write in abject misery

on no account be happy.

 

Not he or she, one should be

lgbt – but that’s not me.

I do believe in equality

though I’m one of the majority.

I don’t have a disability.

In fact I’m hale and hearty.

 

You could say I won the lottery

being born in this fine country.

I’m lucky, yes, and free.

 

But why should nationality

or sexual proclivity

make anyone more likely

to write good poetry?

 

Maybe an apology

for being born auspiciously

would give a sort of guarantee

I might be taken seriously.

 

We’ll have to wait and see.

 

Maybe I’ll plant a tree.

Or complain to the BBC.

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