David Hare pens furious poem about Boris Johnson’s handling of pandemic
Exasperated satirical poem pours scorn on PM described as ‘dogmeat wrapped in the union flag’David Hare has channelled Jonathan Swift to write a furious, exasperated satirical poem pouring bile on...
View Article‘A surge of hope’: public helps create poem celebrating coming of spring
Writer Elizabeth-Jane Burnett brings together 400 voices for optimistic riposte to events of past yearSome described chance encounters with birds and animals beginning to chirrup and scurry as the days...
View ArticleClare McPhee obituary
My sister, Clare McPhee, who has died aged 66 of cancer, was a gifted poet and writer. She published seven collections of poems, focusing on the natural world and objects of importance to her. She also...
View ArticleAnthony Thwaite obituary
Poet inspired by the remains of Roman north Africa, and tireless as an editor and lecturerThe poet Anthony Thwaite, who has died aged 90, was a mover and shaker in postwar English literary life. He was...
View ArticlePoem of the week: What Remains by Reginald Gibbons
This rendition of a work by the 20th century Russian poet Osip Mandelshtam is a rich celebration of poetry itselfWhat Remains by Reginald GibbonsYes, bread that’s poisoned. And not even one sip of...
View ArticleAmanda Gorman’s Biden moment puts headband in spotlight
Poet’s appearance at president’s inauguration in red Prada ‘power band’ has boosted sales Poet Amanda Gorman’s fashion influence has grown exponentially since she spoke at Joe Biden’s inauguration in...
View ArticleDaljit Nagra: ‘Shuggie Bain had me in bits’
The poet on his life changing encounter with William Blake, comfort reading Paradise Lost, and the book he plans to read once he retiresThe book I am currently reading Poetry in a Global Age by Jahan...
View ArticleElaine Hugh-Jones obituary
Composer whose settings of texts in English displayed dramatic flair, poetic awareness and assured piano writingThe composer Elaine Hugh-Jones, who has died aged 93, made a striking contribution to...
View ArticleJhumpa Lahiri: ‘I’ve always existed in a kind of linguistic exile’
A decade ago, the Pulitzer-winning author threw herself into mastering Italian. She talks about her love for Rome, translating Italy’s ‘finest living writer’ and rewriting her own work in EnglishJhumpa...
View ArticleOn my radar: Stacey Dooley’s cultural highlights
The documentary maker and Strictly champion on her love of Dolly Parton, the Pose playlist and Rupi Kaur’s poetryDocumentary-maker and presenter Stacey Dooley was born in Luton in 1987. After appearing...
View ArticleA drop of hope: new poetry exhibition celebrates power of Covid vaccine
Works inspired by messages from staff, volunteers and jab recipients will go on display at the Francis Crick Institute in LondonCoronavirus – latest updatesSee all our coronavirus coverageThroughout...
View Article‘Silenced’ voice of Great War poet to be heard for first time
Ivor Gurney’s writings from an asylum were ignored. But a new study reveals their geniusWhile he was locked up in an asylum, the great war poet and composer Ivor Gurney wrote hundreds of songs and...
View ArticleBoland: Journey of a Poet review – a profound portrayal of Eavan Boland’s life
Mick Lally theatre, Galway; available onlineDrawing on her early writings, Colm Tóibín captures the essence of the late Irish poet in this transformative livestreamed productionEavan Boland, poet and...
View ArticlePoem of the week: Grey Natural Light by Katherine Horrex
Climate change and pollution make for surreal and ghostly imagery in this understated and restrained poemGrey Natural Light by Katherine HorrexIt breaks through voile and stainslike tannin leaching...
View Article‘He’s got a wee spring in his step’: 92-year-old grandfather becomes...
Gordon McCulloch’s 101 Poems becomes a hit on Amazon after his granddaughter asked her followers to take a look at the bookA self-published poetry anthology by a 92-year-old Scottish grandfather was...
View ArticleLiving through India’s pandemic: ‘Oxygen is the new currency’
As India is devastated by a crippling second wave of coronavirus, its leaders’ response to the pandemic is causing anguish and disbelief, writes author Jeet Thayil‘We are witnessing a crime against...
View ArticleWindows on the world: pandemic poems by Simon Armitage, Hollie McNish, Kae...
Six of the UK’s best poets reveal exclusive new work and reflect on the last year, losing relatives, long-distance relationships and ‘artistic claustrophobia’Slug by Hollie McNish is published on 13...
View ArticlePoem of the week: American Sonnet for My Past and Future Assassin by Terrance...
The US poet began writing his sonnets the day Donald Trump was elected president – but even after Trump, they remain fierce, profound and agelessAmerican Sonnet for My Past and Future AssassinI only...
View Article‘My head is on fire’: Roger Ballen finds poetry in pain – in pictures
Paint, collage and photography combine in Ballen’s tumultuous The Earth Will Come to Laugh and Feast. Italian poet Gabriele Tinti reflects on his work ... Continue reading...
View ArticleWhiskers, claws and applause: Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Cats – in pictures
Since its debut in May 1981, the poetically inspired Cats has become one of the most popular stage shows in the world. Forty years on, here’s a look back at how the long-running musical beganContinue...
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