POEM OF THE DAY

Bonny Neet

IN reply to M Oliver (Feedback, November 1). I have to say I am pleased he now welcomes immigrants to our country.

As for deliberate health tourism costs, the figures from the NHS that he quotes (£110£280m) sounds more like a guesstimate than an estimate, and can he tell us how much of this cost was incurred by people from outside the EU ?

As for unelected old men rubberstamping a Mickey Mouse “Parliament” I have on several occasions explained how the EU Parliament works and can only say I am sad that Mr Oliver is unable or unwilling to comprehend this.

Like millions of others I have the right to try and overturn Brexit now we have a better idea of the consequences, we owe it to future generations. Hopefully without resorting to the Johnsonite language that M Oliver feels the need to stoop to.

AW, Gosforth

Remember Remember

The 5th of November! Whilst toasting your Tatties On Blistering Embers,

Whilst watching your fireworks, Glow like the Sun, Remember the Tale and the reason it’s done,

See upon that day, back in 1605,

The wise old King James, and His Men almost died!

For down on the Westminster, Damp cellar floor,

Lay gunpowder trails, Stopped short at the door,

While 36 barrels of powder were stacked,

Propped up and primed, Hungry for a match,

And there, In the shadowed Doorway in the dark,

Was Guy Fawkes from York, Stood set with a spark,

But right at the Death

All their dealings were spoiled, A note to the King!

And their scheming was foiled!

With Guy’s four accomplices Chased down and cornered, Old James gave the sentence... “Hanged, drawn and quartered!”

He made an example,

He put them on stakes, Ruled ”This is what happens To Treasonous Snakes!”

And said ”Every year...

We shall now take the time, To mark this event with beer and wine!”

So while you all drink, And get warm by the flames, Remember the story

Of Guy and King James!

For there is no good enough, Genuine reason,

That one should ignore, this old Great plan of treason,

So while your flames glow,

And the air’s getting hot,

Why don’t you, toast to King James, And the Gunpowder plot!

PADDY THE POET