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H Marshall
Scotland
Why write poetry, Poet?
Essentially, I write poetry for enjoyment, to create something unique and to express in word form, the feelings and observations of life in general, and my experiences in particular.
How did you get started writing poetry?
We had some very enthusiastic school teachers in Scotland who introduced me to poetry at primary class level. This was enough to give me a liking for the verse without too much comprehension - but the seeds of interest were sown at that time. We were encouraged to try our hand at some poetry writing and to read it to the class members. Nothing much came of it, but I often found myself forming poems in my head without ever writing them down.
Who were your influences?
Study of the English language and literature at Scottish Higher level, further developed my interest in poetry. At this stage in my studies, I was heavily influenced by Burns, Scott, McGonagall, Byron, Keats, Arnold, Elliot, Gray, Coleridge and Shakespeare, among others.
What is your favourite poetic verse?
There are two verses by Robert Burns, which I have liked since my school days. They were both written in the 1700's, but the power of the statements will surely be applicable to human societies for all time.
from a poem: "To a Mouse"
I'm truly sorry man's dominion
Has broken nature's social union,
An' justifies that ill opinion,
Which mak's thee startle
At me, thy poor earth-born companion
An' fellow mortal!
from a song: "Is There, For Honest Poverty"
Then let us pray that come it may---
As come it will for a' that---
That sense and worth, o'er a' the earth,
May bear the gree, and a' that;
For a' that, and a' that,
It's comin' yet for a' that,
That man to man, the world o'er,
Shall brothers be for a' that!
Examples of poetry.
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Who are the Scots?
Kenneth Grahame
(1859 - 1932)
Author best known for 'The Wind in the Willows', later dramatised by A.A. Milne as 'Toad of Toad Hall'.
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