I knew she was from Yorkshire
By the way she just said NO
If she’d been a Geordie
It might have been haway or
If she was from Scotland
It would certainly be och nay
Now, if she was from London
It might have been Ok
But as she was from Yorkshire
It was just a simple NO
She told me it would never happen
Not now, no bloody way
Come on now lad, just bide your time, you’re going to have to wait
Don’t get yer knickers in a twist
It’s only our first date
PJ. © 2024
“Tha No’s” is a charming exploration of regional British dialects, cleverly woven into a tale of rejection. The poet captures the distinct ways different regions express refusal – from the Geordie “haway” to the Scottish “och nay” – but focuses on the characteristically blunt Yorkshire “NO.” The poem’s humour lies in its authentic portrayal of Yorkshire directness, ending with a wonderfully pragmatic perspective on first dates.
“Daftness and Other Afflictions” is Peter Watson’s delightful collection of poems that captures life’s quirks and foibles with warmth and wit. Writing from his Yorkshire perspective, Watson crafts verses that are relatable and genuine, speaking to everyday experiences with both humor and heart. His work, as noted in the book’s introduction, isn’t trying to be “super literate” – instead, it connects with readers through authentic observations and shared experiences.