Story tellers can learn much from poets about the skilful art of getting the right word in the right place.I am glad that my English literature studies at university introduced me to the poems of Roger McGough, one of my favourite poets.
I love the reflection contained in this short poem:
A nun in a supermarket
Standing in a queue,
Wondering what it’s like
To buy groceries for two.
Or the humour or is it the sadness in this shorter poem?:
“I’ve almost reached breaking point,”
She snapped!
There are three poems by Roger McGough with words and the audio on a wonderful new Poetry web site called ‘Poetry Archive’ and found at this web address:
http://www.poetryarchive.org/poetryarchive/home.do
The poem called ‘Oxygen’ needs to be heard to be fully appreciated. It could make a great opener for a talk on creation, life, resurrection or the breath of the Holy Spirit.
I love McGough’s 'Funicular Railway'. In the audio he adds more than what is found in the text, which illustrates the way speakers can get on a roll, thanks to a live audience. The way people reflect on their experience of being on this Italian train offers some delightful insights into cultural behaviour. If I paste the text here you may not discover the web site which is a growing treasury for public speakers and lovers of poetry.
Geoff Pound
Image: Roger McGough.