I’m a magpie for postcards.
Years ago, in the dim and distant past of 2004 or thereabouts, I was a student at the University of Teesside in the north of England.
Arty postcards were available for free in the student union. As a student, I loved all things free (not much changed there then).
And there was this one card in particular that as soon as I saw it, I thought it was so incredibly, fabulously, mind-blowingly brilliant! You can see what I’m talking about I’m sure. Just look at that cat. I don’t know about you, but there’s definitely something about the expression on that cat’s face that I can relate to.
I picked it off its rack on that first day, and took it home with me, delighted. The next day I hurried back and nabbed another 10 or so, to post out to as many friends as I could think of who might appreciate it.
It was a good card, as I’m sure you can see. Bet you wish you’d got one.
It’s now 6 years later, and that card has found it’s way, courtesy of a blob of blu-tac, to my office wall. It’s right in my line of vision, and reminds me daily what a moody bint I can be sometimes. And it makes me grin.
And then, one grey Sunday afternoon, when I clearly didn’t have enough to do, it sparked something daft and silly and ridiculous. It sparked a poem. Which I have recorded for your listening pleasure.
Please click below to hear my inspirational poem. I don’t have the means to record audio only, so you’ll have to gaze at the card while you listen. Two for the price of one!
Enjoy.
Many thanks to Chris Dickason for allowing me to use his postcard. Click on his name to see more of his work on his website.