The Dotty Ditties

How the vexations of England propelled a poet to America. Poems by Barbara Bladon. Editorial, biographical and commentary text by Anthony Bladon. An English middle-class city-dweller couple retires to the Fenlands of East Anglia with modest aims: a peaceful life, country air, some new friends, maybe a bit of fishing. But 1970s and 1980s England was the scene of massive social upheaval, and the country idyll is punctuated on many fronts. Development, noise, taxes, strikes, traffic, chores, stuff that doesn't work, people that don't work - all these and more conspire to annoy and frustrate the retirees. The weather, the French and ageing itself are also to blame. For Barbara, emigration to California will eventually provide a mind-opening rejuvenation. Meanwhile, her frustrations must out, loud and clear. Poetry - a poetry of simple form and everyday content - is her vehicle. The Dotty Ditties are her story: spontaneous poems that are by turns heartfelt and humorous, scathing and irreverent.