Apples, Pears and Treacle Tart (I.P)

Cherry

By luigi_pagano

Tue, 19 Aug 2014
  • 2612 reads
8 comments
 

An experimental poem using Cockney rhyming slang.

Some people gave us the stare
as I went on the apples and pears
with my treacle tart,
who is very smart
and quite a tramp on the bench,
unmistakeably French.
In fact she has Tate and Lyle
and definitely nubile.
I know she isn’t Ted Ray,
although she might stray.
I liked what I saw,
I hoped that I would Ali McGraw;
I told her that I’m Adam Faith
but not a wraith
and ain’t that the Babe Ruth?
I’m maybe long in the tooth
yet still have my moral a la mode,
or else I’d be a toad.
I always use advice from mother.
and wouldn’t have any other.

© Luigi Pagano 2014

Translation of Cockney rhyming slang:

Apples and pears = stairs
treacle tart = sweetheart
a tramp on the bench = wench,
Tate and Lyle = style
Ted Ray = gay
Ali McGraw= score
Adam Faith = safe
Babe Ruth = the truth
A la mode =  code,
Advice from mother =  rubber.

Certificate 15
Poem
Are you being versed?
Surreal
Inspiration Point (work that responds to our weekly writing cue)

Comments

Submitted by skinner_jennifer on

Like this a lot Luigi,

Your rhyming slang was spot on.

Jenny. xx

 

Submitted by luigi_pagano on

Cheers, Jenny. I was afraid that no one would understand this apart from a few Londoners. That's why I put a translation of the expressions I used. There's nothing more maddening than trying to fathom out the meaning of any poem with no obvious explanation. But you have grasped my intentions brilliantly. Thanks for the feedback.

Luigi xx

 

Submitted by VeraClark on

She's inventive and colourful with a tang of Cockney fun. Just like an autumn tart should be.

 

Submitted by luigi_pagano on

She is definitely that and more, Vera. I like the stress on mature; it adds a certain allure.

Luigi x

Thanks to the kind donor for the cherries, to add to my apples and pears.

 

Submitted by Geoff Smith on

THis is just brilliant fun Luigi. Loved it. Just wish I knew enough of the lingo to make a smart remark, Oh well.

Thanks for reading. I am grateful for your time.

Submitted by luigi_pagano on

To learn the lingo it's lemon squeesy, bright and breezy, ham and cheesy, Jasper. Just Google it and you'll find an endless list of such expressions. All that remains for me is to say sandshoe for reading and commenting.

Luigi

 

Submitted by Bee on

Clever and fun.

Enjoyed.

Bee

Submitted by luigi_pagano on

What else can I say but 'shabba ranks for your comment, Bee'.

Luigi x