In Praise of John Hegely

Among the piles of books scattered about my lodgings is a much-loved copy of John Hegley's "Glad To Wear Glasses", first published in 1990.

Fast forward to 16 September 2010, I found myself at the Camden Bookshop by Old Street Tube to witness "Monsieur Hedley" read from that collection and others, including his latest, "The Adventures of Monsieur Robinet". Well, I say read, but he also sang and played a mandolin, sometimes accompanied by a fellow using such things as a plastic skull and an inflated black rubber glove as percussion.

2010 sees Hegley expand upon his dog metaphor with a new collection enriched with a parallel French translation "and plenty of room to add your own drawings". The dog in question is called Chirac and as a symbol for our fractured age, cannot be equaled.

"TELEVISION IS BAD FOR YOUR CONVERSATION WITH THE DOG. His dog quietly keeps guard over his master's pile of pebbles" is at once, humourous, simple and indistinct. Who is the dog? Does this dog have an opinion? Does it actually matter? What are the pebbles? All questions for the reader to ponder.

Hedley on the evening reminded me of a young University lecturer of my acquaintance. His percussionist reminded me of more than one reformed abuser of Class A drugs. That those two images can fill the air at the same time as Hegley explores neglect, boredom and complex identity makes the world a better place.