Why Poetry Matters

The English teacher spoke at length To stimulate the class, Still hoping they'd recall a tenth Before the day must pass! He mentioned poets long since dead, Yet with a sense of awe. The students had a sense of dread... They'd heard it all before. He mentioned Shakepeare and they groaned At all those thees and thous. He mentioned Milton and they moaned For he was for highbrows. He mentioned Mister Milligan And read some funny verse... But when the teacher thought he'd won, It made the matter worse. He told them straight, 'It's poetry That teaches us anew... It's magic and it's mystery And each line has some clue. If we unravel what each reads, What wisdom will we find? What treasure troves, what noble creeds, What stories will unwind? What insights does the poet know? What revelations share? What rhythmic words will overflow? ' They said, 'We just don't care! ' That's why the English teacher left, Resigning that same day! He emigrated, quite bereft... But then earnt twice the pay... The poem was written just before the TV programme. Griff Rhys Jones explores the theme, 'Why Poetry Matters', Broadcasted on BBC2 (UK) TV,20th May 2009... Shakespeare, Milton and Mister Spike Milligan were featured on this splendid show as part of the BBC's Poetry Season...