Spectator competition winners: mischievous acrostics

In Competition No. 3186 you were invited to supply an acrostic poem praising or dispraising a public figure, in which the word/s spelled out by the first letter of each line directly contradicts what the poem is saying.

In an era of fake news, rampant conspiracy theories and ever-spiralling paranoia, acrostics are having a moment: resignation letters written to Donald Trump, into which the words ‘Resist’ and ‘Impeach’ had been smuggled, subsequently went viral.

I enjoyed Adrian Fry’s double-edged hymn of praise to Adam Curtis (‘Pretentious tripe’). Other messages lurking in what was an excellent entry included ‘Lying toad’, ‘-Tartan ineptitude’ and ‘Certifiable’; I’ll leave you to guess who they are aimed at.

Commendations go to David Shields, Richard Spencer and Alan Millard. The winners take £20 each.

Bold champion of folk who have no say,Our voice when powerful people think we’re dumb —May he be always there to start the dayBy kicking so-called experts up the bum!A man who knows so many and so much,So up-to-date with all the latest news;Tweets presidents yet has the common touch:In every sense regarded for his views.Cool, how he won’t let politicians spoutBut cuts them off like any normal bloke:Unanswered questions then suggest some doubtLeft hanging like a nasty whiff of smoke.Let Piers show why by knowing you are rightYou’re blessed with all you need to spread the light. W.J. Webster

Putin! The very name is like a bell,Its soaring tones blessing the skies above,Signalling to your people all is well,Sustaining faith, integrity and love.Of all the Russian leaders heretoforeNot one could equal your profound esprit.You are the heart and soul, the living coreOf Russia, her lodestar of destiny.Under your rule the future gleams as brightAs sunrise on the quietly flowing Don, Suffused with splendid, life-enhancing light.