To a Certain Poet

You know, of all those who write for my magazine –
no-one’s a poet.
It’s the thoughts, the love, sorrow, passion
of a mason, a phuchka-wallah, a life insurance agent
that light up my magazine.

Now you – we’ve been your fans for ever,
your verses simply echo from voice to voice.
Indeed, someday we hope to felicitate you
with a bouquet, a formal address, a robe of honour
and not least, a packet of sweets …
as for your expenses, we’ll look after all that.

But I have to say, before you make the journey,
there’s just one requirement, that stage appearance fee …

That’s not in my power to give.