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Alleged poem by J.K. Rowling from 2001

March 29, 2023.

An alleged poem by J.K. Rowling, written in August 2001, is set to be auctioned tomorrow. The poem was in response to fan mail from someone asking when the next Harry Potter book would be released. In the poem, Rowling apologizes for not finishing book five yet, but explains that it’s because “Goblet of Fire” was two books in one and “Order of Phoenix” was going to be a big book. She also advises the fan not to believe everything they read in the newspapers. The poem was sold for £1,600 (hammer price, not including buyer’s premium).

Alleged poem by J.K. Rowling
Alleged poem by J.K. Rowling

In Response to ‘The Terrible Wait’
or
‘Lament of a Busy Author’

Dear Adam, I’m sorry book five isn’t done,
But ‘Goblet of Fire’ was two books in one,
And ‘Order of Phoenix’ is going to be fat,
These big books don’t come at the drop of a hat,
But Harry is busy, and Dumbledore too,
And Hagrid and Ron and the rest of the crew,
They’re plotting and planning and scheming anew
To thwart the ambitions of Dark You-Know-Who.
So please don’t berate me, I’m writing like mad,
But if I’m too speedy the book will be bad,
So re-read the others or try authors new
While Harry gets on with what he’s go to do.

P.S.

Thank you for wishing me luck, it was nice,
But I am not married and here’s some advice:
Remember the newspapers lie without fail
And worst of the lot is the horrible Mail

by
J.K. Rowling
(just 36)

Alleged poem by J.K. Rowling, 2001
Alleged poem by J.K. Rowling, 2001
Alleged poem by J.K. Rowling, 2001
Alleged poem by J.K. Rowling, 2001

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