Jane Clark and Barbara Vellacott talk with the distinguished poet about her latest work and the role of poetry in these difficult times
‘Poems reach into every realm of human life, into every form of investigation, feeling, and expression.’
Kenneth Avery explores the famous story of Shaykh San‘an
“What is important today is the view that friendship and love cut across religious or denominational horizons and connect believers and unbelievers alike.”
Robert Darr reflects on his long relationship with the people and culture of this ancient land, and shares his insights into its present situation
“No matter how powerful you are, there is nothing you can do to counteract the effect of beauty… the Taliban ultimately can’t succeed because the Afghan people are too strongly rooted in their music and poetry.”
Susanne Sklar provides insight into the meaning of the famous ‘Jerusalem’ hymn
“Jerusalem is a woman, a city and a way of life… She abhors exploitation, and orchestrates what we would call ‘a global fair trade network’.”
Ian Almond on a more inclusive approach to comparative literature, and the cultural traditions of Turkey, Mexico and Bengal
“At the moment, there are vast swathes of the planet – hundreds of millions of people – who are barely represented by a single name.”
Jane Clark and Barbara Vellacott review the poetry series we presented during the Covid-19 lockdown, March – June 2020
Poetry engages the imagination, and can touch us deeply, body and soul; it can bring us to a sense of our common humanity