"Have we so totally lost faith in a poetry of public feeling that we no longer think it worth attempting? Is our country now so diverse and disunited that it is impossible for any poet to find ground that all can share?"
Dr. [William] Radice has written to the Culture Secretary, Andy Burnham, suggesting that the Poet Laureate "should be able to write strong poems for public occasions--witty or moving or passionate or indignant as the occasion demands".
from The Journal: Laureate quest is poetry in motion
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3 comments :
Yeah, first he (William Radice) lays down the law of what the post should mean, undermining real poets like Wendy Cope who have a realistic view of the situation, and then we find out that he wants the post for himself. Bit like someone who starts a revolution to overthrow the establishment in order to crown himself king afterwards!
Hi Anonymous,
It is curious that William Radice is making his bid the way he is doing it. But, I'm not sure Wendy Cope has a realistic version of the situation. It may be realistic that she would not be able to fulfill the position well, or that she may at the end of ten years be echoing her friend Andrew Motion--who's done a fine job regardless. But, I'm pretty sure Simon Armitage, Carol Ann Duffy, James Fenton, or LKJ would be terrific in the position. And the position is good for poetry. On the children's laureate side of things, look at what Michael Rosen is doing. Clone him.
Yours,
Rus
When I said that Wendy Cope had a realistic view, I meant the bit about writing good poetry to order, particularly on topics such as deaths, marriages birthdays of the Royal family - it's an absurdity to expect that from a poet. But I agree, Carol Ann Duffy would be a good choice - it's about time we had a woman! Just please save us from self-appointed bow-wowing clowns!
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