There is an elegance in some graffiti
informative, educational, entertaining.
‘GAV SHELLINGFORD SHAGS CATS’
Though Gav Shellingford
was probably less than pleased
to see his predilection
in eighteen inch green letters
on the old red/blue British Rail bricks
alongside the Mansfield Road,
it posed for me an anatomical enigma
and cats have sharp claws.
After six weeks
Gav must have applauded Amber Valley
its decision to wash the wall,
but expunging the legend isn’t easy.
Newark Poetry Competition
