If…
‘MOST peoples knowledge of poetry doesnt extend much beyond Rudyard Kiplings If. At least, that is the only reason we can imagine why it was voted Britains Favourite Poem in a poll a few years ago.
|
| Lousy poet, good cake-maker |
In fact, we have always found that a good approach to life is to act exactly contrary to the various injunctions contained in that poem dont treat triumph and disaster just the same, dont fill the unforgiving minute with sixty seconds worth of distance run, etc
Why this sudden diatribe against Kipling? Well, today is National Poetry Day (as you were no doubt aware) and that means half an hour on BBC tonight of Essential Poems For Britain.
Why they are essential we do not know, but the programme does include readings by some of the countrys top actors of some of the countrys top poets, Williams Shakespeare, Robert Browning, Philip Larkin and the like.
No doubt Kipling will squeeze in somewhere, urging us all for some reason to wait and not be tired of waiting. He should have stuck to doing what he knows best – making cakes.’
Posted: 9th, October 2003 | In: Celebrities Comment | TrackBack | Permalink
