A poem by R.S.Thomas
Fishing, not one of R.S.Thomas’s best known poems, but one of his best, begins prosaically but thoughtfully with a long sentence that runs to eight lines of verse. Sometimes I … Continue reading
In the beginning were the words
There are certain words and phrases that are so closely linked to a particular source that the association is never lost. Such words and phrases must be used cautiously, if … Continue reading
A poem by Ted Hughes
Ted Hughes was unusual in not writing about himself or, for that matter, about anyone else. Most poets are not like that. They want to share their feelings with us, … Continue reading
How to write a love poem, let me count the ways
Traditionally, a love poem is addressed to the object of the poet’s love. Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day?Thou art more lovely and more temperate.Rough winds do shake … Continue reading
Rupert Brooke, playwright
Rupert Brooke’s range is wider than he is usually given credit for, both in form and content. Lust, an early poem about sex, consensual or otherwise, begins with the usual … Continue reading
Two poets from Hull
Philip Larkin’s poems have an epigrammatic quality that is shared with Hull’s other poet, Andrew Marvell. The grave’s a fine and private placeBut none I think do there embrace could … Continue reading
D.H.Lawrence and the urge to write
The urge to write is not unusual. When I was a teacher I saw it in many of the children I taught. But not all. Some had a greater urge … Continue reading
Going the extra foot
The widely held belief that Shakespeare wrote in iambic pentameters is based on a misunderstanding, the result of a misguided attempt on the part of literary scholars to apply the … Continue reading
Neil Rathmell - writer 