Another go at one of the BBC’s top one hundred poems in English, this one based on The Way Through The Woods by Rudyard Kipling which came in at no. 48. It was one of my father’s all time favourites so I hope he’ll forgive the liberty. As before, I take the first line and the structure and then go off on a frolic of my own…
They shut the road through the woods.
It’s caused some constrenation.
It isn’t right; it’s beyond the pale;
We deserve an explanation.
Someone said, ‘There’s been a death.’
Another announced, ‘It’s pretty gory.’
But this is such a magical place
That must be some fairy story.
We’ll ask Ma Hood; she’ll know the truth,
Or those two in that sweet cottage,
Or that girl who lives with those seven blokes
And makes the Bears their porridge.
It’s been confirmed; someone’s dead;
They’ve been pulled limb from limb.
I know they’ll blame Old Man Wolfe,
But my bet’s on the Brothers Grimm.
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About TanGental
My name is Geoff Le Pard. Once I was a lawyer; now I am a writer. I've published several books: a four book series following Harry Spittle as he grows from hapless student to hapless partner in a London law firm; four others in different genres; a book of poetry; four anthologies of short fiction; and a memoir of my mother. I have several more in the pipeline.
I have been blogging regularly since 2014, on topic as diverse as: poetry based on famous poems; memories from my life; my garden; my dog; a whole variety of short fiction; my attempts at baking and food; travel and the consequent disasters; theatre, film and book reviews; and the occasional thought piece. Mostly it is whatever takes my fancy.
I avoid politics, mostly, and religion, always. I don't mean to upset anyone but if I do, well, sorry and I suggest you go elsewhere.
These are my thoughts and no one else is to blame. If you want to nab anything I post, please acknowledge where it came from.
TanGental 
Very neat
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Love it, His Geoffleship 🤗
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Brilliant, Geoff. I’m rather pleased to see you take the piss out of Kipling. I’ve rather gone off him since I found out about all his Boer war propaganda poetry.
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It was an awful conflict that one and as a man he left a lot to be desired. He did write some fab non political poetry.
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This is a poem I remember well from my childhood. I love your take on it!
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One of my dads favs. Not sure he’d forgive me
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Fantastic!
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Thanks!
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Oh, that’s a great idea! Sometimes we need a source of structure and inspiration. I like how you finished the poem with our own words and ideas, you’ve executed it beautifully 🦋
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Thank you Hannah!
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You are very welcome, the pleasure is mine 🌷🦋
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Love it Geoff 💜
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