Jane DardsPoetry to be read and poetry to be performed |
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Light VerseWhat is "light verse"? Encyclopaedia Brittanica defines it as poetry that is "written primarily to amuse and entertain and that often involves the use of nonsense and wordplay. Frequently distinguished by considerable technical competence, wit, sophistication, and elegance, light poetry constitutes a considerable body of verse in all Western languages." Although light verse is often looked down on and not considered "proper" poetry, even some established "proper" poets turn their hand to it from time to time. It's not usually found in the literary poetry magazines (some if which refuse to consider any poems that rhyme, let alone the light-hearted ones!), but can be found in some other exciting places, including the competition pages of The Oldie (continuing the legacy of Punch) and The Spectator, and in the LightenUp Online webzine. It is, perhaps, the poetic equivalent of Vettriano's butlers - frowned on by the establishment, but actually people rather like to hang his paintings in their living rooms. Here are a few examples of Jane Dards' light verse:
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Elsewhere...You can read Jane's poem "Buttercup" in the December 2013 issue of the quarterly light verse webzine LightenUp Online, "A Travel Hold-Up" in the March 2012 issue, and "When we are very old" in the December 2011 issue. Read Jane's poem, "Tube lines", in the competition pages of The Spectator for Sat 27th August 2011 here. You've seen the movie, now read the book! (sort of...) You may have watched the video of Jane performing "Forgetful? Me?" on the Videos page or on YouTube. Now you can read the text in the September 2011 edition of the quarterly light verse webzine LightenUp Online. You can still read Jane's sonnet "Prince Charming's Tale" in the June 2011 edition of LightenUp Online here, and her poem "The Seven Ages of Woman" in The Spectator for Sat 7th May 2011 here. |
