"The Poor Poet" by Carl Spitzweg‘Slim Pickings’ by David Whippman The Society September 4, 2019 Culture, Humor, Poetry 5 Comments His frame was gaunt, his income was erratic: The crowd ignored the writer high above Who wrote and brooded in his lonely attic, Starving for beauty, poetry and love. These days, although his Muse is rather quiet, The royalties and praises never cease. He’s found his niche, but needs to watch his diet – The doctor says he’s clinically obese. David Whippman is a British poet, now retired after a career in healthcare. Over the years he’s had quite a few poems, articles and short stories published in various magazines. NOTE TO READERS: If you enjoyed this poem or other content, please consider making a donation to the Society of Classical Poets. The Society of Classical Poets does not endorse any views expressed in individual poems or commentary. Trending now: 5 Responses Joseph S. Salemi September 4, 2019 Quite nice! These are two perfect little quatrains in precise and careful English. The choriambic substitution at the beginning of line 4 is just the right touch. Reply Dave September 6, 2019 Thanks Joseph. Reply Monty September 8, 2019 “The royalties never cease”: Well, it’s heartening to hear that at least one poet eventually got his deserved remuneration. Reply Dave Whippman September 9, 2019 Thanks Monty. Unfortunately, the poet in question is fictional! Reply Monty September 9, 2019 I knew that, Dave. I was just having a little jest at how many truly-gifted poets over the centuries DIDN’T end up with the remuneration that their work deserved; and indeed died penniless. And how many more again who’s greatness-of-work was only recognised long after they’d left this life. Leave a Reply Cancel ReplyYour email address will not be published.CommentName* Email* Website Δ This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.
Joseph S. Salemi September 4, 2019 Quite nice! These are two perfect little quatrains in precise and careful English. The choriambic substitution at the beginning of line 4 is just the right touch. Reply
Monty September 8, 2019 “The royalties never cease”: Well, it’s heartening to hear that at least one poet eventually got his deserved remuneration. Reply
Dave Whippman September 9, 2019 Thanks Monty. Unfortunately, the poet in question is fictional! Reply
Monty September 9, 2019 I knew that, Dave. I was just having a little jest at how many truly-gifted poets over the centuries DIDN’T end up with the remuneration that their work deserved; and indeed died penniless. And how many more again who’s greatness-of-work was only recognised long after they’d left this life.
