Matthew Stewart weaves his ways through poetry
I'm delighted to report that my poem Scroll Down is up at Ben Banyard's blog as part of his "Finest" series. This poem was first published in Strix, but is now making its online debut.
You can read it via this link. Moreover, while you're there, you can explore an extensive, top-notch back catalogue of his choices...
If I were asked to name one signature theme or image for U.K. poetry over the past twenty years, it would be water. British English has so many words for different types of rain and for the movement of liquid, and numerous poets seem to reflect those riches in their work.
Am I right...? If so, why? Is such close attention to water a consequence of the U.K.'s climate? And does climate have a deeper connection not just to our everyday experiences but to our poetic lives...?
It's always a joy to discover high-quality poetry blogs, so I was delighted to find Jeremy Wikeley's The Left Margin last week. Moreover, it might be new to me, but there's an extensive archive of posts, which means prolonged reading pleasure while I catch up. My personal favourites are probably his pieces on Philip Larkin and Louis MacNeice. Why don't you have a look for yourself by following this link...?
