In what is increasingly becoming a headache, even more fake Malleys have been added to the list of “outed” contributors to Cordite #23: Children of Malley. A total of nine poets have admitted to fabricating their identities and submitting poems under false pretences. Joining the five already outed are:
Amelia Walker and Gabrielle Everall, who concocted the poem everybody's someone, originally attributed to Maralyn Spears-Malley.
Laurie Duggan, who wrote three poems under the pseudonym of Ern Malley himself: Melancholia, Six Works and Things To Do In Perth.
Les Wicks, who fooled us all with Cheese Roll and Living.
rob walker, who switched genders and even went so far as to pen correspondence under the name of Ethel, Ern Malley's sister. He then wrote a Sonnet, for good measure.
As with all previous announcements with regards the authenticity of this issue, we would like to say that we are as embarrassed and surprised as everyone else by this continuing saga of misrepresentation. We trust the remaining Children of Malley will prove as real and verifiable as the legend itself.
Okay, okay, I cave. I admit that I'm Horsehead Malley.
Shame Kent, shame.
I'm shocked, no HURT, that you would accuse me of fraud. I sent Auntie Ethel's letter and poem in good faith. This besmirching of my good name will adversely affect my reputation and earning potential on the Australian literary scene for years to come. My solicitors will contact you soon..