Today’s poem

THE GREATEST POETS

Imagine my glee, when I

read through to see That the Mail showed a list

of best writers. The Bard came out first (he

would hardly rate worst!) In a poll judging our

greatest rhymsters. Then came Wordsworth and Poe, Kipling, Carroll and co, Followed by Angelou and

then Browning. Both Byron and Keats were

listed for their feats As I sat there just musing

and frowning. Dylan Thomas was named: who on earth could be blamed For including this

wonderful poet? And then there was Shelley,

Noyes and Rossetti, All of whom shone, and we

know it. Wilfred Owen was there —

he who deftly laid bare All the bleakness and

horror of war. Blake and Milton came after, followed by Zephaniah — This accounted for nearly

a score! But, in the top 20, came the

lady with plenty Of wit, humour, talent

and rhyme. Everyone loves her work

(that’s unless you’re a jerk) For Pam Ayres writes so

well every time. As I finished my read, my

heart started to bleed (Though you may well

deem this as deluded) ’Cos I thought for a spell,

then I started to yell: ‘Why the hell wasn’t my

name included!’

Ken Irons, Newport, Isle of Wight.