Categories: uncategorized
Date: 16 September 2005 09:39:51
One of the things about going back to Manchester is that I always seem to bring random things back to Swansea with me. When I was at home a week or so ago, I rediscovered a poetry book that I had for Christmas when I was younger and brought it back with me. It is called 'We Animals would like a word with YOU' by John Agard. I would like to share with you one of my favourite poems from it, which is funny but also highlights a very serious point. It is called 'Mrs Skunk Writes a Letter to the Press':
Dear Editor
My husband and I were very upset
by a suggestion in your paper
that we skunks have bad breath.
You humans seem to forget
the dirty wind you let off
especially after you've gorged on beans.
And what about the smell of death
you bring to our rivers
from the fumes of your factories?
Humans have such short memories.
My husband and I both agreed
that your comment was most unfair.
What you humans call bad breath
We skunks call wee defensive warfare.
We're only protecting ourselves, you hear.
Yours very upset,
Mrs Skunk.