It's a good thing there are no preadolescents on the list--wouldn't
want their enthusiasms crushed.
Actually, when I was 12 I already disliked Eliot's poetry. It didn't
help that he was so comfortable being pope. He's always seemed
shallow to me, and his influence has I think been toxic. But tastes,
even those of preadolescents, differ. Not that mine was so wonderful.
I was deeply into Carl Sandburg.
The nature of one's serious interest in poetry changes, hopefully,
and one's taste as well.
Mark
At 09:26 AM 2/23/2007, you wrote:
>> > and anyway if preadolescents like him he must be really great.
>> >
>> > Mark
>> >
>And, er, belatedly doubletaking on this:
>
>Young people don't uniformly go for Britney Spears. They can even
>demonstrate intelligence and taste on occasion. I would not myself
>dismiss the work that inspires young people to a serious interest in
>poetry - the kind that lasts all your life, and inspires curiosity and
>passion - with some kind of superior or patronising "adultness". I've
>seen enthusiasms too easily crushed that way.
>
>
>--
>Editor, Masthead: http://www.masthead.net.au
>Blog: http://theatrenotes.blogspot.com
>Home page: http://www.alisoncroggon.com
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