Date: Fri, 26 Apr 2002 10:27:58 +0100
From: Mervyn Hartwig <mh-AT-jaspere.demon.co.uk>
Subject: BHA: Love


SHADOW POET LAUREATE SUPPORTS BHASKAR ON LOVE

The following poems by Adrian Mitchell have just been published in Red
Pepper May 2002. The second one parodies the annual bestowal of titles
by the UK monarch, the lauding of whom and all things established is the
duty of the official Poet Laureate. Adrian Mitchell was recently
appointed Shadow Poet Laureate by popular acclaim. He will be writing
regularly for Red Pepper in a space called 'from the shadow'.

Mervyn


ONLY ASKING

love between strangers
love between animals
love between lovers
love between children

lakes
mountain streams
oceans
fountains
rain and snowfall
all kinds of love

what the fuck
has love got to do
with socialism?


THE ONLY NECESSARY EXAM

Once a year each citizen is
Scanned for sadistic tendencies.
If you find being cruel is vital
You'll be awarded a public title - 
Sir Viper, Ms Iniquity
Or Diabolocal Marquis.
This title will remain until
You pass our Courses in Goodwill,
Gentleness and Imagination.
Till then you're barred from any occupation
Which grants power over the body or mind
Of powerless creatures of any kind - 
Children, babies, refugees,
The old, the sick, giraffes and chimpanzees,
Prisoners of peace, prisoners of war,
Actor, soldier, nun or whore - 
You shan't torment them any more.

Starved of your cowardly enjoyment
You will be found alternative employment
So you can make a mild, fresh start
Playing a totally harmless part - 
A TV wrestler, a Hare Rama,
A Leeds footballer, a Saatchi embalmer,
Or, if too useless for all these - 
One of those tame New Labour MPs.




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