TO James Martin (Letters, April 20) re the Makar's literary tribute to "vital workers" ("It’s an Essential work as Makar pens poem paying tribute to vital workers", The Herald, April 18), may I reassure him that he could have read it a hundred times and it still would not qualify as poetry. I read it myself and shook my head; if that's the best a "National Poet" can do then Scotland has fallen far.

For the so-called poets who have their works published to great acclaim in our national newspapers, may I point you in the direction of the Concise Oxford Dictionary and the definitions of, firstly, "poetry: elevated expression of elevated thought or feeling in metrical or rhythmical forms". Whether it be a couplet, a quatrain, perhaps even a witty Limerick, any appearance of such would be greatly appreciated. Secondly, "prose: ordinary non-metrical form of written or spoken language." Prose may be deeply descriptive, word-painting, but lacking metre and rhyme, it is not poetry.

An "elevated expression" requires a greater degree of discipline and effort, a lot more, it seems, than the so-called poets of the day feel necessary to expend. I cannot vouch for the "Emperor" or his courtiers but had I handed that apology of a poem to my Head of English, it would have been returned with grim expression requiring neither clarification nor interpretation.

Maureen McGarry-O'Hanlon, Balloch.

JACKIE Kay is a writer who radiates a warm humanity. I understand that attendance at a talk or reading given by her has been described as the literary equivalent of being given a hug by your big sister.

So it's a pity that James Martin's response to her celebratory poem Essential was so curmudgeonly.

He claims to have read the poem twice. How come he missed the obvious rhymes?

Campbell McInroy, Kirkintilloch.

Down in the dumps

I REALLY enjoyed Catriona Stewart’s article on the joys of cycling, particularly on quiet roads, at this difficult time ("Lockdown proves life – and cities – are better without cars", The Herald, April 17). My enjoyment, however, has to a degree been spoiled by the amount of discarded detritus lying by the roadside. Mattresses, ovens, fridges and even car seats for infants – and a full drum kit!

I despair when I think that there are people living in such a beautiful country as Scotland who can do something like this, but unfortunately, I suppose we’ll always have a substratum of society lacking any moral sense.

Norman Brown, Barassie.

Is summer near?

I KNOW that one swallow does not a summer make – attributed to Aristotle – but on my daily walk this morning (April 20)) along Stewart Avenue at the top end of Hamilton, I watched two of them circling and scything against the clear blue sky. Is it too much to hope that summer and higher Covid-killing temperatures are just around the corner?

Rev John M A Thomson, Hamilton.

Stop shaking

IT seems that the handshake as a form of greeting will be out of favour for some time. The alternatives, such as elbow touching, are awkward and look silly.

A much better option is the Indian greeting, Namaste. With hands clasped together and a little bow it is graceful and conveys the pleasure of meeting someone.

I have seen Prince Charles use this form of greeting and I hope it become more popular in these fraught times.

Richard Grant, Lochgilphead.

Who, but?

WRITING about Scottish football, Matthew Lindsay tells us that the perpetrators of any subterfuge must be reprimanded ("The questions the SPFL must answer over fiasco", Herald Sport, April 20). I suggest that he and whoever passed as fit for publication his quote "Were actual threats made? If so, who by?" be given a talking to. Or should that be "talking-to", thereby avoiding ending another sentence with a preposition?

David Miller, Milngavie.