Leveson Inquiry 28-11-11

Since I’m covering the Leveson Inquiry for the time being, I’ve decided to appoint myself its unofficial poet-in-residence. The Inquiry is not confidential (or at least I don’t think I’ve seen or been witness to anything confidential), so don’t expect any sensational gossip, but I did want to write some pieces in response to the picture that is unfolding.

Also, since I decided this rather late in the day, I will have to backtrack for some of the days I’m missed. I will try to write something for every Monday and Tuesday I have personally covered. Here is today’s:

28.11.11
Books

“You were described as ‘posh, loved culture and poetry’. You probably do still love culture and poetry. ‘Lewd’, ‘made sexual remarks’ and ‘creepy’. Then you are described — you were branded ‘a creepy oddball’ by ex-pupils.”
Mr Jay, questioning Christopher Jefferies

We should have worked it out from all his books.
What normal, law-abiding sort would ever
be caught nose-down, engrossed, on tenterhooks,
in any kind of literary endeavour?
Imagine all the filth and clever-clever
scurrilousness sealed in each plush brick.
We don’t go near them – but we get the flavour
from titles like King Leer and Moby Dick.