that is a very kind thing to say - but whatever i write here, it is not really more than a doodle. that isn't false modesty, but a statement of fact. i mean, i am posting 'poetry' on a football site; there's a reason for that. in the kingdom of the blind, what you see is what you get, and all that...

i am sure if i posted football stuff on a poetry site i might be inaccurately elevated there too - notwithstanding that (despite my most serious efforts) i come last or thereabouts on EVERY table or league that we've even run.

still, i see writing in general (not just poetry) a bit like music. some people have a natural skill which, if they are lucky, they cultivate through a formal learning process and, if they focus single-mindedly at their work they may add something of great value.

but then there are others who don't read music, can only pick out two chords, but are brilliant on social occasions and can occasionally strum a great tune. there's an enormous range between these two points but it's all music. there isn't a right or wrong - know what you like.

if he really painted them flowers nice, then it worked.