The Aerial
The aerial on this radio broke
A long, long time ago,
When you were just a name to me -
Someone I didn't know.
The man before the man before
Had not yet set his cap
The day a clumsy gesture caused
That slender rod to snap.
Love came along. Love came along.
Then you. And now it's ended.
Tomorrow I shall tidy up
And get the radio mended.
Commentary
Strange that amidst all the hilarity of Cope’s verse, little poems like this get left behind. I have not much to say that the poem doesn’t say for itself, except to express my admiration. Its emotions are everyday-quiet and deep, modern and somehow feminine, resigned and strong, sad and funny. It takes life in its stride.
— Kamalika