The rhyme scheme is from Auden’s ‘The Composer’. As eagle-eyed Basil Ransome-Davies, who spotted this, remarked, ‘It’s hardly the best of Auden, so compers have a chance of writing a superior poem.’ We shall see. Some objected to the word ‘adaption’, claiming their spellcheck didn’t acknowledge its existence. Auden was no slouch: the word is plainly recognised in my Chambers. I reckoned it was a difficult comp, so a large and skilful entry impressed me. Commendations are too numerous to mention. Just general congratulations. The prizewinners, printed below, get £25 each, and the bonus fiver goes to George Simmers.
Says God, ‘That’s one of my unfinished sketches —
A planet I’ve decided to reject.’
He makes a sign to Gabriel, who fetches
Bottle and glasses. ‘I thought I would connect
Intelligence with life. Darwinian adaption
Made the link neatly — no essential rift
Divides the two — but man’s an odd contraption.’
He sighed. ‘I hoped they’d really use my gift,
Think thoughts so brave they’d send a thrill cascading
Down even my antique almighty spine —
But no.
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