“Commiserations on your rejection”
Your manuscript arrived today
We looked at it right away
It took no time to decide
Of the mark it was well wide
But please continue to try and write
One day perhaps you’ll get it right
At the award winners’ table, you may sup
But ‘til then, the day job, don’t give up
“Happy Dog-owner’s day”
Greetings on dog-owners’ day
We hope it finds you fit
And ready to go walking
And pick up lumps of ----
“Happy (leap day) Birthday”
You’re a leap-day baby, what a chore
Your birthdays come but once in four
Worst of all your pension’s not due
Until you’re two hundred and seventy-two
[Poems - 4 February 2026]
