Margaret Webster

Webster

Nas 

Nas 
(enjoying her lamb chop prize)

£1,000 Winner Margaret Webster Shares Her Joy...

How do I feel about winning the £1,000 prize?

Over the moon. I was simply amazed and so flattered that people would consider my poem worth winning. I love writing; poetry, stories - even thank you letters! My inspiration for the poem 'Meal Time Etiquette' came from watching our little cat Nas (no added sugar) playing with the remains of a pork chop. She is all white in colour, but has behaviour patterns of a magpie; hoarding treasures she has 'found', behind the settee. I have four children, now aged 14-20, but an exasperated 'don't' is never far from my lips. It all came together one afternoon when I sat down for a quiet minute, with my pencil and notepad.

How will I spend the money?

Very easily! Some has already gone on a new washing machine, to combat those gravy stains. Food treats seemed appropriate, so while we had pizza and wine, Nas enjoyed a lamb chop of her own. She still ate it on the floor! With the bulk of the money we will probably have a weekend away to see some bigger cats in a Safari Park - we may come back with a lion for a pet.

  
Meal-Time Etiquette

Don’t play with your food, Nas;
you’ll make a mess on the floor.
That chop is past redemption -
I’ve told you twice before.
It might be fun to toss it
and catch it in the air,
but it leaves a nasty gravy stain
on the dining room chair.
I know you like to chew it,
and exercise your teeth,
but not behind the bookcase;
the hoover won’t go underneath!
I’ll find the bone next weekend
in some secret rendezvous;
like the last piece of burger
that ‘escaped’ into my shoe.
We love you when you’re playful;
having a kitten like you is great,
but don’t play with your food, Nas;
just keep it on the plate.

Margaret Webster

Read the runners up poems the runners up poems