Wednesday 6 May 2015

6 May 2015

Nominations are open for the next Oxford Professor of Poetry.

I think it should be a woman --think its important it is a woman, finally, after all this time.

I have given my support to Alicia Stallings, an American formalist poet living in Greece. I really find her level of technique intriguing and fascinating and would enjoy hearing about it in lectures. She is also an ex-pat like I have been, both here and in Canada, and that interests me. She is also living in Greece which is important for its history, but also because of its present travails. Having a poet come to Oxford from Greece right now seems timely.

However, I understand that Wole Soyinka has also been nominated. A fine international poet too, and I wish them both the best of luck.  I would prefer a woman, but it would be good if the whole business were civilised and good fun this time. I will be happy with any fine poet who comes and gives interesting lectures!