I recently joined a lovely local writers' group and am really enjoying it. One of the tasks on the programme for our autumn term is to write a brief review of a favourite contemporary poet.
Now, while I dip into poetry now and then, I can't say I have a favourite poet - ancient or modern! Following ideas from my blogfriends in relation to pasta free lasagne, now I am asking for suggestions on poets. Which contemporary poets are worth further attention? I have 3 weeks before this task is due, so there's no mad rush, but as this area is unfamiliar to me I'd like to start reading around soon. If anyone can throw in some names as a starting point I'd be eternally grateful. It's good to have the challenge of learning about something new. That's always one of the exciting things about autumn isn't it.
15 comments:
Hi Joanne. Personal favourites “Fiona Pitt-Kethley” and “Wendy Cope”.
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Wendy Cope?
Thank you Bazza and Frances. I've come across poems by Wendy Cope and liked them, so definitely someone to learn more about. I will go and investigate Fiona Pitt Kethley too.
It's great to learn something new, Joanne, and I'm sure you'll get pleasure form discovering new poetry and poets.
One of the best modern collections is 'Staying Alive' or its sequel 'Being Alive' (which I have). It's full of modern poets, Like Carol Ann Duffy, Liz Lochhead and Jo Shapcott, but also has older poets.
A lovely book that's even more accessible is 'Poems to Last a Lifetime' edited by Daisy Goodwin which has a huge selection of poetry for everyday situations. Good luck!
Metaphysical poets are always interesting. Try John Donne.
Thank you Rosemary and Jenny.
Rosemary all those collections do sound wonderful, and are a good introduction to a variety of poets. I will look for them in the library when I go on Wednesday. I have volumes one and two of 'Poem for the Day' and I do enjoy dipping into those.
Hi Joanne long time no see. This sounds wonderful. I'd suggest Carol Ann Duffy and one of my other favourites Maya Angelou. Both rock!
Denise
Thank you Denise! I know some Carol Ann Duffy, and have also seen her read as part of a book festival event. Will look at Maya Angelou, as I have enjoyed novels of hers, but don't know if I've ever read any of her poetry.
I think my comment may have vanished! I suggest looking at Seamus Heaney as well as the ones mentioned above.
Patsy, I don't know what happened to that. It definitely didn't reach me, but Blogger can be temperamental as we all know. I almost picked up a Seamus Heaney book in the library, then I passed it by and now I wish I hadn't! Am sure to be making another visit soon though, thanks.
Was going to say Carol Ann Duffy, but see she's already been said.
Catherine Edmunds is not well known, but her poems are wonderful.
Thank you Rosalie, lovely to see you!
I'm also unfamiliar with this area (sorry). But your group sounds terrific.
XX
Gosh, I'm so behind on reading blogs I only just saw this. I'd especially agree with Rosemary - they're my two favourite anthologies.
And don't forget that once you find a couple you like, they might be on YouTube. Here's Simon Armitage reading one of my faves and a whacky one I hadn't heard before! In fact I shall do a post about it soon now I've found it!
Thank you BB, I am terribly behind with blogland too but I will catch up with everyone soon. Thank you for the YouTube idea and I look forward to your post!
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