Tuesday 26 May 2009

An Elegy on the Death of a Promising Professorial Career

With apologies to E. J. Thribb, 17 1/2 lines.

So. Farewell then, Ruth Padel.
You were
Darwin's great-great-grandaughter
And also a poet
Like me.

But
You tried to cheat
your way in
to Oxford University

And now
Is this
Poetic Justice?
Perhaps it is.


6 comments:

Zoot Horn said...

Did Ruth tell the truth? Possibly so - but she definitely had to go, for stooping so very, very low. Her bahaviour was abjured. Her tenure is caesurad.

Benjamin. said...

Let’s not chastise her without the full story; she should not have spoken to those journalists however how was she to know it would result in a witch-hunt?

Let's hope the accused makes a comeback and cements his place.

The Plashing Vole said...

Very good Zoot.
Demented - yes, who could have predicted that the British press would run with this story? Walcott may well be guilty - but it doesn't look great when another candidate's helping friendly journalists to backstab rivals!

Benjamin. said...

You think the accused has indeed acted without restraint thus the rumours and handiwork of American students has foundation?

Oh lord. Lets throw them both to the lions and make you the Professor of Poetry. Selfishly, I think our Uni should not let you go so I shall make false accusations that you beat me up.

The Plashing Vole said...

There was some out of court settlement so I suspect that 30 years ago, Walcott did make some silly suggestions to his students. However, what I object to is Padel sneaking these stories around, rather than making a public stand about what's expected of a professor of poetry.

There's still enough time to beat you up before I'm elevated to a better place…

Benjamin. said...

If it meant your work could make a postive impact then I'd be all for a beating so long you do not use your fencing skills as I wish not to be murdered just yet.