My previous reply seems to have got lost so I will try to recreate it:
`chose to be a poet'. I feel that is something thrust upon you rather
than being chosen. I had no choice but to start writing at 24, then gave
it up at 34 on EDwin Morgan's disapproval, only to start it up again
in the 80s cos I couldnt help it. I dont think you choose this hobby.
And to the books: I read Sean O'Brien's `The Deregulated Muse' in the
past week and found it superficial journalism. No meat in it.
I also read Jeremy Hooker's `Writers in their place' from the University
of WAles Press, 1996, and found something to get my teeth into. He discusses
the prose of Jeffereies/Hardy/Thomas/Powys and indicates that the best
approach to the writer is from the `bottom-up'. An accumulation of small
details building up into the big picture. This appeals to me very much.
Whereas Sean O'Brien's approach is `top-down' and very superficial.
I am no great fan of Jeremy Hooker's poetry which is a world away
from me. Although cos he teaches in Bath and is a friendly soul I
always buy his books. The latest is `Our Lady of Europe' which does
have one fine poem towards the end when he lets real people intrude on his space.
I have always thought his best poems to be those re the early years of
his first marriage in Wales. But I digress.
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