The latest competition invited you to give a couple of old nursery rhymes a contemporary twist by composing a new verse that incorporates the lines ‘What are little girls made of?’ and ‘What are little boys made of?’.
This challenge was a potential minefield, given how high feelings run nowadays when it comes to the thorny issue of gender identity. Still, those brave souls that took the plunge produced a witty and well judged entry. I especially admired Carolyn Thomas-Coxhead’s nifty Tom Lehrer-inspired submission; Nicholas Stone, Martin Parker and George Simmers also shone. The winners earn £25, except W.J. Webster, who nabs £30.
W.J. Webster What are little girls made of Is a question that’s better not put: Answer only if you’re not afraid of Finding your mouth full of foot. Don’t offer parts pretty or gentle Or tender, protective and caring: They’re judged to imply ornamental Or being confined to child-bearing. What are little boys made of Is equally parlous to hazard; The traits there’s a usual parade of Will have you fall flat on your mazzard.
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