Leading poets, including Gillian Clarke, Geoffrey Hill, Brian Patten, Liz Lochhead, Christpher Reid, Wendy Cope, John Burnside, Simon Armitage, Philip Gross, Sean O’brien and Jo Shapcott, as well as the poet laureate, Carol Ann Duffy, have contributed to a book of poetry marking the Queen’s 60 years, each poet writing about one particular year. The final poem, The Thames, London 2012, is by Duffy. The poems can be read here
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1997 would be an interesting year to read.
I wouldn't ever consider myself an ardent monarchist. I don't buy into how tough a job it is. They fight wars to keep the throne, so the benfits must be pretty good.
On the other hand I am in some difficulty when I suggest an alternative state figurehead - David Cameron is the obvious choice, or Cameron/Clegg? or Ed Milliband? or someone non-political? David Beckham, perhaps? Katy Price? You see the problem.
The obvious is just that - often derided through ignorance, curious to relate.
The system here is all about checks and balances and if some people are unable to understand that, then they do not see the obvious...that it works! The preference for
what is chosen elsewhere is not relevant.
Even the Yanks agree: If it ain't broke, don't fix it...past, present or future.
You can always tell someone who never thinks past the obvious by the way they always seem to think that any 'republic' that might happen would be like the previous one in England. As if we live in the age of the Puritans...
Ireland seems to do OK without kings, queens and all that paraphernalia. So does most of Europe. And America does pretty well...
Oh but we couldn't possibly be part of Europe... whatever next?
I'm always looking for a reason to celebrate
anything - but republicanism in this country
had one fling which was only instrumental in returning the monarchy when people became tired
of the kill-joy, holier-than-thou intrusions in their lives espoused by its primary promoter
who soon managed to elevate himself to "Lord
Protector" (e.g. monarch by any other name).
I can just imagine some politicians - past and
present - who would just love to indulge that
career opportunity!
I see no point in using insulting words to put over a view. It seems unlikely to encourage confidence in those following the train of
thought that it contains.
I will say this, Our queen has the easiest life a monarch of this country has EVER had. Any poet who's had the gall to accept the position of laureate, in her reign, cannot be considered a real social commentator or poet of consequence in my honest opinion.
The same principle applies to the other writers who would write for similar purposes. It is elevating only in terms of income.
Anyone for a celebration of republicanism? Fuck the queen and all she stands for (privilage, elitism, capitalism.)
My OBE's in the post (not.)
I wouldn't buy it either - but because of the content I have read, not its raison d'etre. But then I've even been known to display the national flag on occasions!
Julian, I agree with you. Certainly not one that well be on my shelves.
I have no problem celebrating the 60th anniversary of a notable monarch. Unlike republics, a monarchy offers a figurehead to rally around when things get unpleasantly political - as is so often the case. The fact that a considerable number of countries choose to be members of the Commonwealth tells us there's an institution worth preserving here - so why not celebrate something that clearly works? Now - as for the content of this book, Ms Duffy's collection gets a 3 out of 5 star review in one high circulation red top, with a noteworthy critical comment - and I quote:
"My personal gripe is that there is simply not enough of the rhyming stuff here. As the late great Adrian Mitchell memorably said: 'Most people ignore most poetry, because most poetry ignores most people'".
Aha - I am not alone in my view!
Those following the discussions on the novel as poetry, take note,
At the risk of losing any chances I had of a knighthood (i.e. none!): I don't understand this lot cosying up to royalty like this. It's vomit-inducing. Patten, Armitage, what are you doing? What? Oh, you get PAID for it? Well that's all right then, after all they've all got their fingers in the pie, so what's the problem? That is!
I'm not surprised by the dearth of verse in an age that lacks the skills or the innate humanity of a Betjeman. The overall theme?
A sort of scribbled nostalgia from childhood memories and youthful diaries, occasionally
interrupted by resentment or mind-boggling hyperbole.
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Julian (Admin)
Sun 27th May 2012 14:05
Well, you are almost right, M.C, but I think your spelling is letting you down :-)The system here is about CHEQUES and BALANCES.
The system works? Really? For whom?
Let's say we had a vote for president. The Queen could be nominated, sure, and if she won we would at least have had a say, and a way to get rid of her when we want to, not when she decides.
My vote would be for someone of the stature of Tom Dalyell, Mr West Lothian. Or David Steel. Or Francois Hollande. Allons enfants de la patrie...