I love stumbling on new poets and poetry. Someone I went to school with recently asked for poetry recommendations on Facebook for his birthday. It was probably one of the smartest uses of social media I've seen yet. A recommendation from a friend here led me to Phillip Larkin, whose work is stunning in both senses of the word - you feel both beauty and bludgeoning.
Poetry is possibly one of the best things to give or receive. You can only experience a poem individually, but if you share it with someone else and they can feel the same wonder and delight, that's a true gift. Reading my favorite weekend columnist gave me the joy of discovering Dannie Abse, and the sadness of learning that he passed away only a few months ago. Abse put it perfectly when he said, “I hope to go into a poem sober and come out a little drunk. And if I do then that’s a real poem.” When I finish 'real' poems like that I'm usually floored, or unmoored, or enchanted. But a little drunk works too.
I thought about including a poem with this post, but I felt like that would undercut the message. Poems are - and should be - personal. I also didn't want to oversell any one work. (Here's how great poetry is in general; you better like this one!) So I dare you to go find a poem. Find a new one that speaks to you, or an old one you've half-forgotten. I'm happy to provide recommendations if you desire. I hope it gives you a break, makes you feel something, brightens your day.
Love,
Annie
Poetry is possibly one of the best things to give or receive. You can only experience a poem individually, but if you share it with someone else and they can feel the same wonder and delight, that's a true gift. Reading my favorite weekend columnist gave me the joy of discovering Dannie Abse, and the sadness of learning that he passed away only a few months ago. Abse put it perfectly when he said, “I hope to go into a poem sober and come out a little drunk. And if I do then that’s a real poem.” When I finish 'real' poems like that I'm usually floored, or unmoored, or enchanted. But a little drunk works too.
I thought about including a poem with this post, but I felt like that would undercut the message. Poems are - and should be - personal. I also didn't want to oversell any one work. (Here's how great poetry is in general; you better like this one!) So I dare you to go find a poem. Find a new one that speaks to you, or an old one you've half-forgotten. I'm happy to provide recommendations if you desire. I hope it gives you a break, makes you feel something, brightens your day.
Love,
Annie