An Ode To The Novelist Who Shares My Name Poem by David Mitchell

I don't know how long I had known of this man,
But I'd never read one of his works;
But I one day to read his 'Cloud Atlas' began,
And now on my bookshelf it lurks.

I still haven't read any more of his books,
But one day soon I probably will;
Tho' as if they're as good as the last one it looks,
And that was an absolute thrill.

He's writing another; next year it comes out;
I'd better read that when I've time;
I've not the least notion of what it's about,
But no doubt 'twill be highly sublime.

I should mention, this man's no relation of mine,
And though he stole my name, he's not me,
And you should read 'Cloud Atlas', for that's very fine,
And it may be the finest that he

Has yet written; what can I do but recommend
The man who has stolen my name –
Read his novels until you arrive at the end –
Please remember we are not the same.

(Wednesday,28th December,2005.)