tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5010170380967519230.post511811051429456281..comments2024-03-23T20:37:37.891-07:00Comments on First Known When Lost: "Where All The People's Brains Are Turned The Wrong Way"Stephen Pentzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14882220887712092005noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5010170380967519230.post-33959110550168872652013-07-05T21:46:28.254-07:002013-07-05T21:46:28.254-07:00Bovey Belle: it's nice that you suspected it w...Bovey Belle: it's nice that you suspected it was Clare. I'm pleased that you like it. With respect to Clare's latter years, I recommend the biography by Jonathan Bate that I mentioned in my response to Julie's comment.<br /><br />Michael Longley is good at writing poems about other poets. As you probably know, he has written many fine poems about Edward Thomas, a few of which have appeared here. <br /><br />Thank you for visiting again -- I always look forward to hearing your thoughts.Stephen Pentzhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14882220887712092005noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5010170380967519230.post-85893321890970903582013-07-05T21:39:15.088-07:002013-07-05T21:39:15.088-07:00Julie: thank you -- I'm glad that you liked th...Julie: thank you -- I'm glad that you liked the post.<br /><br />Yes, "wrenching" is a good way to describe Clare's life. You may have already come across it, but, if you haven't , I recommend Jonathan Bate's fairly recent biography of Clare. I had to read it in small doses, because it was too sad -- the madness, of course, but also the way that he was ill-used by publishers, etc. But, as you know, his creativity never seemed to abandon him, despite what he went through. As you say, very moving.<br /><br />Well, yes, dogs will always get to me. I like your observation about the "gentle prodding" in the poem -- especially in the final lines.<br /><br />It's always good to hear from you.Stephen Pentzhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14882220887712092005noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5010170380967519230.post-72975711026003533962013-07-05T13:08:35.496-07:002013-07-05T13:08:35.496-07:00It came to me, as I was reading the first poem, th...It came to me, as I was reading the first poem, that this was John Clare. Not that I can claim any foreknowledge - just an instinctive guess. What a lovely piece though - I can just see the scene set by such down-to-earth words. Beautiful. I don't blame you for liking it.<br /><br />He sounds so sane in his letter from the Asylum - I must away and find out more about his latter years.<br /><br />What a lovely final poem too . . .<br /><br /><br />Bovey Bellehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13117332471600275100noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5010170380967519230.post-90353513407462969462013-07-05T10:33:17.396-07:002013-07-05T10:33:17.396-07:00Stephen , a stellar post.
I think its a rare read...Stephen , a stellar post. <br />I think its a rare reader who could not be moved by John Clare's life and natural brilliance with all its wrenching misfortune. <br />The dog poem is new to me; but I like it immensely, with its gentle prodding and hopeful tone. You can almost see the expression on the dog's face looking often towards the door, can't you?<br />Best<br />JulieJulie Whitmore Potteryhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12283540996942265818noreply@blogger.com