Lesson 2

Positive reviewing of your first poems

Deep and encouraging feedback is how we work together. We will look at your work and also three poems by the Australian poet: Clive James in his collection Sentenced to Life.

We will also look at the marvellous poem: Canoe by Keith Douglas read by Clive James in the video above.

Taking a half hour’s break from helplessness

To craft a single stanza meant to give

Thanks for the heartbeat which still lets me live:

A consolation even now, so late -

When my poor bed will be smooth and straight.

Excerpt from ‘Elementary Sonnet’ Sentenced to Life, Clive James, 2015.