In Competition No. 2400 you were invited to write a sonnet picturing one of Hercules’ labours.
I used the word ‘picturing’ with a purpose: I wanted you to be visual. I was thinking of the sonnets in Les Trophées (two describe vividly the Nemean and Stymphalian missions), written by José-Maria de Heredia, that gifted, Cuban-born (father Spanish Creole, mother Norman) Parnassian French poet whose cameo-like glimpses of the Classical world enchanted me early. Out of the 12 labours, easily the most popular (are you filthy-minded?) was the cleansing of the Augean stables, which would have defeated seven maids with seven mops, sweeping for half a year. The winners, printed below, get £25 each, and Michael Swan scoops £30.
Cerberus stood there snarling, acting tough,
A real performance. When he tried to fight
I blew down all six ears to call his bluff,
Brought him to heel, and headed for the light.
You
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