| Men and Their Boring Arguments | Requires Real Player. |
Wendy Cope gave up a teaching career to dedicate herself to writing and quickly became one of the few living poets to feature in the best-sellers lists. This poem is a fine example of the way she uses her humour to make a serious point, and was recorded during a 1988 edition of 'Poetry Now'.
One man on his own can be quite good fun What makes men so tedious
It often happens at dinner-parties
Some men like to argue with women -
A man with the bit between his teeth
I expect you're right, my dearest love.
But don't go drinking with two -
They'll probably have an argument
And take no notice of you.
Is the need to show off and compete.
They'll bore you to death for hours and hours
Before they'll admit defeat.
Where brother disputes with brother
And we can't even talk among ourselves
Because we're not next to each other.
Don't give them a chance to begin.
You won't be allowed to change the subject
Until you have given in.
Will keep you up half the night
And the only way to get some sleep
Is to say, 'I expect you're right.'
I expect you're right, my friend.
These boring arguments make no difference
To anything in the end.
Copyright: Wendy Cope.
Photograph of Wendy Cope by Lachlan Mackinnon
