Poet's work is now hanging on toilet walls

Aug 14 2009 by Stuart Wilson

MEET the Bard in the Bog.

He’s the poet whose work is so good – you’ll find it in the toilet.

Ayr scribe Michael Malone is celebrating an unusual feat after landing a deal for the little boys room.

Two of his poems have been chosen to adorn the cubicle doors of an island community.

Now he’s hoping to inspire readers during their call of nature.

Michael, a member of Ayr Writers Club, has been chosen with four other poets around the world to have his work displayed in toilets on the Shetland Isles.

He explained: “It’s a quirky idea and gives people something to read while doing their business.

“Something similar has been done before on the London tube, and anything that gets poetry out to the public is a good thing.

“I must admit this is a bit different for me. I’m used to doing readings at literature festivals, not having my work put up in public toilets.

“But the reception has been great and for many people it’s the first time they’ve come across poetry since they left school.”

And the poems being enjoyed by Shetlanders hold a special place in Michael’s heart.

He revealed: “One is called Within Reach and is about my wee boy. The other is entitled Eizenhower’s Mother, based on an exhibition at Culzean Castle.”

Michael, 44, is also planning to launch a career as a crime novelist, with two of his titles on the desk of top London publishers.

But the financial advisor is happy just to make his impact in down-to-earth surroundings for now.

He confessed: “Hopefully I hear something positive from the publishers, as that would be great for my writing career.

“But I’m just glad to have my poems in these toilets – the authorities in the Shetlands say it’s a huge success and people are even debating the finer points of the poetry in the street!”

To read Michael’s poems, visit www.shetland-library.gov.uk