I wanted to write to you about your poems, <br />that is, about something I couldn't quite put my finger on <br />so I didn't write in case it sounded inconsequential <br />and it's silly to write to a poet who handles words so expertly, <br />inconsequentially.. <br /> <br />Inconsequential. That's it. I appreciate that you want to stress <br />life's inconsequentiality - this happens, that happens, but <br />we're none the wiser - that's a modern concern, I appreciate, <br />no neat wrapping life up with a brisk end-rhyme... <br /> <br />but how can I put this tactfully, inconsequentiality <br />or is it tangentiality <br />can seem to the reader eager to extract meaning <br />that is, the poet's meaning, as near as can be... <br />inconsequentiality can seem...obscure... <br />for this very reason, since it's difficult <br />to share the same inconsequentiality <br />if you see what I mean <br /> <br />and this unintentional obscurity <br />can sometimes seem <br />of course I know you wouldn't <br />but let's say to an uninformed superficial reader - <br />like pretension? <br /> <br />I hope you don't mind my mentioning this <br />it's only because I do admire your writing so much <br />and I know that the prizes and awards you've won <br />proves that no-one could possibly accuse you of pretension <br />it's just that I thought I should say how it seems <br />to a very ordinary reader. I hope you will read this <br />in the spirit it's meant. And I do look forward <br />very much to reading your next book <br />now the library stocks them.<br /><br />Michael Shepherd<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/0176-letter-to-a-well-known-contemporary-poet/
