Jaime, neither do I want to quarrel with you. But differences of opinion can sometimes sound like a quarrel.
It would be an interesting experiment to test out the idea that many poets wouldn’t mind admitting they want recognition, if some on this list would come forward and tell us that they would. I see nothing shameful about such an admission. It is only innately human.
I can’t see why anyone would be embarrassed by it. It’s no more embarrassing than them publicising their latest collection or networking with people they think can help them gain more poetic prestige.
Maybe this reticence is only a British thing. Maybe some American poets here can come forward first as an encouragement.
————Original Message————
Jamie McKendrick wrote:
We should savour these rare moments, Tim. All conducive to seasonal goodwill, given that the list tends to get strangely fractious round xmas.
But I should add that I'm not picking a quarrel with David either. We both agree - well who doesn't? - that many fine poets fail to receive their just deserts in their lifetime. My only difference, if it is one, is that I reckon it goes with the territory. I don't see why that should come over as 'a bit aloof'.
As for canon formation, it sounds a bit grand and academic to me. What most poets would be grateful for, I'd guess, is some attentive readers - 'fit audience, though few' - although even this modest proposition, if I'm not mis-recollecting an earlier remark by Drew, has awoken discord here.
With reference to David's subsequent post, I'm not sure I've met a poet 'afraid of admitting they would like to be "recognised" in some way'. It wouldn't take much bravery to admit most of us may feel that, either on a personal level, or in terms of the public attention to the art, or on both accounts.
Jamie
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