The Dirigible Balloon
Poetry for Children

I’ve Never Been So Insulted!

Listen to Colin read his brilliant poem ...




As I was strolling by the strand,
A woman raised her bony hand,
And said, “You look just like a rook
Whose feathers must have moulted!”
I’ve never been so insulted!





As I was going by the brook,

A schoolboy said, “To me you look
Just like a horse, the one, of course,
Who from a stable bolted!”
I’ve never been, never been so insulted!





As I was walking by the sea,

A salty sea dog said to me,
“You have the look of Captain Hook,
Whose crew, of course, revolted!”
I’ve never been, never been, never been so insulted!





As I was passing by the lake,
Pictures by Colin West
Pictures by Colin West

A fisherman who’d hooked a hake
In ‘62, said, “Was that YOU?
My memory you’ve jolted!”
I’ve never been, never been, never been, NEVER BEEN so insulted!

About the Writer


Colin West

Colin lives in Battle, East Sussex. He studied Graphic Design and Illustration and has written and illustrated over 50 children’s books. His poems have appeared in anthologies by Roger McGough and Julia Donaldson. He now writes purely for his own pleasure and enjoys collecting old books, mainly of poetry.