Poet Laureate (UK)

Subject: Poet Laueate
From: Peter the Squeezer
Date: 26 Nov 08 - 06:48 PM

Just been watching Newsnight on BBC2. Andrew Motion (current poet laureate) was on, with someone else, discusussing who will be his successor. Who do Catters think should follow in this role?

I'll start the list -

Sir (wot, no knighthood yet) Les Barker

Atilla the Stockbroker



Any further suggestions ???


For non-UK catters, the poet laureate is appointed by the monarch, and has to compose poetry for state occasions. Previous holders of the post have included Sir John Betjeman, and Alfred Lord Tennyson.

I await the combined knowledge of the Mudcat!

All the best

Peter

Subject: RE: Poet Laureate (UK)
From: Jack Campin
Date: 26 Nov 08 - 07:30 PM

Christine de Luca or Jean Binta Breeze.

(I suspect that both the Queen and Prince Charles might actually understand the languages they write in - Telegraph readers won't).

Subject: RE: Poet Laureate (UK)
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 26 Nov 08 - 07:38 PM

Well Adrian Mitchell is already "Shadow poet laureate"

Subject: RE: Poet Laureate (UK)
From: Dave Hanson
Date: 27 Nov 08 - 03:02 AM

Ian MacMillan, the Bard of Barnsley.

eric

Subject: RE: Poet Laureate (UK)
From: Stu
Date: 27 Nov 08 - 03:48 AM

Walkabouts Verse.

(sorry censor)

Subject: RE: Poet Laureate (UK)
From: Paul Burke
Date: 27 Nov 08 - 04:53 AM

E.J.Thrib (aged 17 3/4)

Subject: RE: Poet Laureate (UK)
From: Wyrd Sister
Date: 27 Nov 08 - 05:27 AM

So, farewell then, Andrew Motion...

(with apologies to above-mentioned teenager. The greatest poet since McGonagall)

Subject: RE: Poet Laureate (UK)
From: Dave Hanson
Date: 27 Nov 08 - 06:34 AM

EJ Thrib is lying about his age.

eric

Subject: RE: Poet Laureate (UK)
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 27 Nov 08 - 07:35 AM

Seamus Heaney - if he'd want the gig.

he's from NI - so he'd qualify.

And he's obviously head and shoulders above everybody else.


theres Douglas Dunn....?

How about Wendy Cope?

Subject: RE: Poet Laureate (UK)
From: Folk Form # 1
Date: 27 Nov 08 - 07:54 AM

There's me
and I'm free.

See, I can write poetry and make it rhyme.

Subject: RE: Poet Laureate (UK)
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 27 Nov 08 - 05:12 PM

I see someone else is a PE reader.... chuckled mightily over this week's issue I did...

LTS

Subject: RE: Poet Laureate (UK)
From: Chris Green
Date: 27 Nov 08 - 06:46 PM

Benjamin Zephaniah.

Subject: RE: Poet Laureate (UK)
From: Micca
Date: 27 Nov 08 - 07:40 PM

Roger Mc Gough, without a doubt!!!

Subject: RE: Poet Laureate (UK)
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 27 Nov 08 - 08:04 PM

It's a bit like Dr Who isn't it?

Subject: RE: Poet Laureate (UK)
From: Lox
Date: 27 Nov 08 - 08:09 PM

Interesting point McGrath,

My imagination compels me to ask - in what way?

Subject: RE: Poet Laureate (UK)
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 27 Nov 08 - 08:31 PM

"Who should be the next Doctor Who?"

"Nominations invited as hunt for next poet laureate begins"

Subject: RE: Poet Laureate (UK)
From: Dave Hanson
Date: 28 Nov 08 - 04:38 AM

Spike Milligan, even though he is still dead.

eric

Subject: RE: Poet Laureate (UK)
From: GUEST
Date: 28 Nov 08 - 07:19 AM

Nanny Ogg

Subject: RE: Poet Laureate (UK)
From: Manitas_at_home
Date: 28 Nov 08 - 08:08 AM

I think Benjamin Zephaniah was considered last time around.