Thanks for Doug's superb rant. I feel I should tentatively try and
say something.
To me it seems poetry emerges from a poet's life and political attitudes
are inextricably built into it. In my own work, to be simple, there is
the contrast between England and Glasgow with two entirely different
traditions. But that is being egocentric which doesnt appeal to me.
I would look at Yeats and his involvement with Ireland. There the
politics emerges out of the poetry.
Where I think the problem arises is if you deliberately set out to
write a political poem. To me that looks a bit like cutting against
the grain. It has to come naturally out of your everyday life. And
if you can do it good luck to you. I think the only political theme
I use is the withdrawal from Empire and the coming fragmentation of
the UK. I dont think anything really touches me at the mythic level.
But I am being egotistical again.
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
|