h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Thanks, Dmitri

*heartstings tugged*

love the imagery with the puddles.

mini

Thanks, mini.

Great poem, like it a lot.

Disappointing marks they gave. This is much much better than the scores they've given.

Thanks Trout.

I knew I ran a risk that people would say this has nothing to do with 'better.' Sigh.

Better? Blummin' good anyway! Which is why it's headed UnderGuidewards, naturally. Many congratulations Here are QA's remarks (in addition to what has already been said in The Stretcher judging):

"My main criticism is structural. It needs to be read at least twice for it to work, because the opening lines are not clear enough in context to win the reader's sympathy and engagement. The first person in the second stanza should have been in the first.

"On a purely technical level too, and in spite of what I said above, the phrasing is too fractured. 'Jacket' and 'contempt' both jar severely. The difference between poetry and ditty is appreciation of metre, but having chosen the finer course, be careful not to crush the words to make them fit."

Constructive criticism, as you would expect. Me, maybe it's tin ears, but I like to be jarred every now and again - have you considered a comma after 'bird'?

A Polisher will be along shortly... well, you know. He might very well be along very shortly, in fact, because he's a bit of a fan

Congratulations, mvp.

Hurrah!

Thanks, folks.

And here is the UG version, for your approval:

A53405930

('Shortly'? Ha! Rubbish )

Thank you, Trin. This looks fine.

mVp, added that to the Stretcher Hall of Fame A47168553

Ms GB

Thanks GB.