Mal functions well

By Paul Dunlop
IT doesn’t take much to tickle Malcolm Pugh’s funny bone — he has made a lifetime habit of keeping it well oiled.
“My motto is blessed are they who can laugh at themselves, they can never cease to be amused,” he said.
The USbased International Society of Poets has honoured Mr Pugh — or Mal Function the “larrikin poet” as he is popularly known.
He was one of two local artists to receive an Outstanding Achievement in Poetry award.
“I was invited to a convention to pick up the award, but I would have had to sell my car to get there,” he said.
“They sent me a medallion to hang around my neck when I go to Safeway but I don’t think I will.
“Still, it’s nice to receive the recognition.”
Mal said he writes poetry “pretty much all the time”, and contributes regularly to the international society.
“I write a lot of Aussie slang and bush humour, some of it goes over their heads. I also write for local publications like the Kooweerup Blackfish newsletter. I believe there is a poem for every occasion.”
Mal Function performed at Cora Lynn car swap meet last weekend and is a regular at the Bunyip Country Music Festival.
He has also written a number of books of poetry.
“I am a carpenter by trade but I like writing. Even ordinary things that happen around the house, I’ll wake up in the middle of the night and jot a few lines down.
“You get a few facts, add a bit of bulldust and away you go.
“But I’m more of a writer than a performer, the only fancy legwork you’ll see me doing is if I tripped.”