I believe I have discovered the problem with poetry today. All was revealed to me in this gorgeous little booklet I picked up for 50p at Wigtown during the Book Festival. I hadn't had time to open it before yesterday, but on doing so a clear picture emerged.
First, I should point out that Poetry Today was actually written in 1958, so it is really Poetry Yesterday (but the decade before The Beatles wrote that song). Now, in the centre pages were photographs of the big, and coming, names of the 50s. On examination of said photographs I noticed things about these writers of yore that led me to identify just what is wrong with poets today (ie those that are happening right now).
Problem 1: Poets Do Not Smoke Enough.
The evidence
Problem 2: Poets Are Not Wearing Suits Enough.
The evidence
Problem 3: Poets Are Not Going To The Hairdressers/Barbers Enough.
The evidence
Problem 4: Poets Do Not Look Sufficiently Like Matinee Idols Anymore.
The evidence
Problem 4: Poets Do Not Look Sufficiently Like Matinee Idols Anymore.
The evidence
So Man Poets, get yourself a tailor, and Lady Poets, get thee to the hairdressers. Sartorially speaking things are in a sorry state these days. Meanwhile, break out the woodbines and let those creative juices flow.
I have just realised why my own poetry is stuck in the '50s.
And all that aside, look at what can be done once you've got a great poet's face.
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