Welcome

Reading:

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Hello! And welcome to this collection of readings of poems from my debut volume: ‘Late-onset Poems’. The title becomes self-explanatory when I reveal my age. There cannot be many poets who bring out their first volume in their eighty-seventh year! I’ve decided to supplement the limited edition print run with this audio version, partly to communicate with that wider audience that is available only on the Internet, but also because for many older people, listening may be easier than reading. But I have included the text against each one for those who may like both.

Six decades ago, when Long Playing records first opened up the possibility of extended forms, Philip Larkin started a debate on the question of who is best qualified to read poetry aloud. Should this be left to trained actors who have the full range of voice production? Does the author have any special insights to offer that might outweigh a poor speaking voice? Might it grate to hear love poems that imply youth uttered in an old man’s faltering tones? I’ve heard some say that an idiosyncratic reading put them off poetry for life! Many prefer to read poetry on a page and listen to the music of the words with their own inner ear. Despite these caveats I decided in the end to read them myself. 

No one appreciates every poem in a book, even by a master. Most people leaf through until something catches their eye – their hearing eye that is – and start with that. If they enjoy it enough, they may explore further. So I offer them here in a similar form for your web browser in the hope you will run down the list and come upon something to pursue. Simply click on a title and you will open the page with the audio controls. And you can read the parallel text or not as you choose. 

You will also see a ‘contact’ button to send any comments you may have. Please feel free! And if you’ve enjoyed listening please pass on the link to anyone who you think might enjoy it too.