He’s never serious, never thinks
Why get so mad it’s just a laugh
You PC types are all so daft
It’s light relief – no call to think
Paul’s such a dag, he’s such a lark
Don’t blame it on the TV staff
They don’t like audiences to think
Why get so mad it’s just a laugh
Don’t let those cheeky darkies start
Their claims that Kiwis need to think
Paul’s such a dag, he’s such a lark
Immigrants like him? Pure class
It’s guys like him who make us think
But don’t be mad it’s just a laugh
The world’s a place that’s far too hard
I’d like to teach my kids to think
Paul’s such a dag, he’s such a lark
Why get so mad it’s just a laugh
Ironic that one of my first attempts at a villanelle (one of the more intellectual and difficult forms) would be prompted by Paul Henry, but that's what indignant anger will do! I thought the villanelle would be a good form because of its repetition. It also gives me an excuse to post a (hand covers mouth) rhyming poem, something which seems oddly appropriate for a poem about TV.
In case you haven't been following, English immigrant Paul Henry, host of TVNZ's Breakfast programme, asked John Key yesterday on live TV whether our Governor General, NZ-born Sir Anand Satanyand, was "even a New Zealander". Our valiant PM's only response was a weak laugh. Apart from a villanelle, my response is a strangled Gaaaaahhhhhhhhhh!
8 comments:
Paul Henry has me foaming at the mouth when I'm in NZ - he's so patronising to women for one thing! Your poem is a breath of fresh air. Very courageous to tackle a villanelle!
Good one Renee.
I cannot believe that Paul Henry has only been suspended. What is even more horrifying is how 'the media' are trying to take the heat off Henry by giving John Key a hard time re his response. Your villanelle is right on target.
I cannot abide Paul Henry and do not like to think that taxpayers money pays this redneck
very cool!!
I agree with all the above! TVNZ's "he's just saying what people think" response was equally bad. I think Paul Henry is setting himself up for a role as New Zealand's equivalent to Glenn Beck, the Fox "News" stooge who played a big part in whipping up America's Tea Party. TVNZ and Fox News no longer seem very far apart.
Dear Renee,
I just received the Auckland Uni Update mag in which you are the shining star!! And rightly so... Keep up the great work and best wishes from Samoa,
Gretel :-)
Thanks Gretel! I was stoked to be included!
I thought I recognised a Villanelle about halfway through reading this...well done!
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