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| I am devoting this final column to satiric verse. That is holding up for ridicule politicians, royalty or whatever might be current news. In satiric verse the poet usually exaggerates things he believes unimportant and understates more important things. Politicians are the most popular target for satiric verse ‑ for obvious reasons. If you wish to make money via a newspaper column or radio station this is the most likely verse to meet that market. Conversely it is also the least valuable as real art. "A week is a long time in politics" is a popular and very true saying. This applies to most "news". What seems most important this week will be erased by some new development overseas, a new scandal in high places or a multiple murder somewhere next week. For satiric verse to have value the poet needs an ever ready market ‑‑ you must write the poem and use it the same day. Or it will be too late. I suppose I should give an example from my own verse, as I have always done.
"He was more than just ambitious and officials grew suspicious;
and thought ‑his actions overwrought with guile.
But an illness soon beset him and his lawyer said,
Forget him he won’t live long enough to see the trial."
This stanza was in the middle of the poem. Here is the final stanza.
"The whole thing was misleading ‑ it was time to start proceeding –
our justice‑system's honour be upheld.
But the thought of jurisdiction caused an instant re‑affliction
of something only freedom ever quelled. "
Perhaps you can guess who? I have enjoyed doing this regular column for ABPA. How much help it may have been to fellow poets I have no way of knowing. Quite a few have taken the trouble to tell me they have enjoyed my tips and I thank them for that. I believe Bush Poetry is alive and well, and will go from strength to strength for some years to come. It had been a very important part of my life and I like to think I have contributed in some way to its continued popularity. I hope I can continue attending poetry festivals for some time yet and look forward to renewing acquaintance with so many wonderful friends who share this grand interest.
Ellis Campbell P.S. next - But... |
