Timothy Adès
Bethany W. Pope, poet, was working in a Swindon cinema: she then taught in China, now in England: kept very fit, enjoyed fencing. This is one of several poems about poets at the gym, years ago. The others are by George Szirtes, each written in the poet's own style.
Bethany W Pope at the gym: double acrostic
At last I’ve done my cinematic joB,
Doled out the popcorn, smiled at ruderY,
Obliged the arrogant, survived the snoB,
Unplugged the hot projector. I am freE.
Boots hide my kneecaps, and my black bereT
Looks cute to louts, to whom I’ll say ‘Unh-unH’,
Easing my strength and love between the A
And Z of Swindon life, till home is woN.
Come, haul my heavy sled, abusive guY!
Ratchet my stepper up, the speed’s too sloW,
Or raise my press-up bar insanely high. P-
Sychology and muscles: way to gO!
Touché! Lunge, slash! This is the life for me. P-
Irate in space – that’s what I’d love to bE.
(Can’t count! The parodist’s catastrophe!!!!!)