Pablo's Armchair Treasure Hunt

ATH 2022 Poem

DaphneHQ would like to share with you a poem from their poetry intern, Adrian. I am sure you will all agree it is a lovely piece, it’s called “The Sourpuss and the Raconteur”. We hope you like it - we have been thinking of replacing Adrian with an AI - the poems probably won’t be so good, but at least we won’t have to listen to him droning on about his girlfriend.


Could you talk a little faster
If you want to tell your tale?
Our journey’s not begun
And I’m thirsting for an ale

Of course my dear
Of course my dear
But wherever should I start?
A tale is like a journey
And each step plays its part…

Why start at the beginning!
Your words they shouldn’t roam
But be fixed for an eternity
Like carved Venetian stones

Stones my dear?
Stones my dear?
If only that I could
My words are somewhat softer
Cut perhaps in wood?

Stones or wood? It matters not!
Please can you commence?
Or else we will be stranded here
Standing by this fence

Once upon a time, my dear
Once upon a time…

For heaven’s sake!
Why at this rate
I’ll never get that beer

Then let us walk
And I will talk
A mystery I will spin
Of witches, cats, and mayhem…

Oh god I’d love a gin…

If it’s gin you want my dear?
Whyever didn’t you say?
I know an inn quite close to here
The cats will lead the way

Then let us take this feline path!
And you can speechify
And when your tale is over
I’ll drink the damned pub dry

Oh no my dear!
Oh no my dear!
It won’t be at an end!
After your refreshment
We’ll continue round the bend…(or two)