Poets Answer Another Age-Old Question
How many poets does it take to change a light bulb?
Gwendolyn Brooks
We real bright. We
Changed light. With
Great speed. Now
Let’s read.
Poets answer another age-old question: How many poets does it take to change a light bulb? 9. Pablo Neruda
Poets answer another age-old question
How many poets does it take to change a light bulb?
9. Pablo Neruda
What does the poet change the light into?
Poets Answer Another Age-Old Question: How Many Poets Does It Take to Change a Light Bulb? 8. William Carlos Williams
Poets answer another age-old question
How many poets does it take to change a light bulb?
8. William Carlos Williams
I have changed
the bulbs
that were in
the streetlamp
and which
were previously
lighting
the sidewalks.
Forgive me.
I like it
so dark
and so calm.
Poets answer another age-old question: How many poets does it take to change a light bulb? 7. Langston Hughes
Poets answer another age-old question:
How many poets does it take to change a light bulb?
Langston Hughes
Landlord, landlord,
this light bulb needs replacement.
The wiring isn’t safe, and the
fuse box is in the basement.
Poets answer another age-old question: How many poets does it take to change a light bulb? 6. William Shakespeare
Poets answer another age-old question
How many poets does it take to change a light bulb?
6. william Shakespeare
My mistress’ eyes are nothing like the sun.
Could you please change this light bulb for me, hon?
Poets Answer Another Age-Old Question: How Many Poets Does It Take to Change a Light Bulb? 5. Dylan Thomas
Do not go idle into that dark room.
There’s light bulbs in the closet, by the broom.
Poets Answer Another Age-Old Question: How Many Poets Does It Take to Change a Light Bulb? 4. T.S. Eliot and Ezra Pound
Continuing our coverage of the question how many poets it takes to change a light bulb. This week: T.S. Eliot (with the help of Ezra Pound) gives you a bit of Ash Wednesday on Holy Tuesday..
ELIOT: Because I do not hope to turn again
Because I do not hope
Because I do not hope to turn…
Seriously, my wrist is cramping.
POUND: Maybe drop that last line, Tom.
Poets Answer Another Age-Old Question: How Many Poets Does It Take to Change a Light Bulb? 3. Robert Frost
This month we will be addressing the question of how many poets it takes to change a light bulb. This week: Robert Frost.
FROST: My little horse must harbor doubt.
HORSE: Why change a light that isn’t out?
FROST: But if I wait for it to die
Then I can’t find a bulb–that’s why.
Poets Answer another Age-Old Question: How Many Poets Does It Take to Change a Light Bulb? 2: Elizabeth Bishop
Poets Answer another Age-Old Question
How Many Poets Does It Take to Change a Light Bulb?
Elizabeth bishop
The art of changing isn’t hard to master
unless you lose the bulb, it ends up smashed, or
some other problem leads to light disaster.
Alfred, Lord Tennyson calls the Poetry Crisis Line
PATIENCE (counselor): Poetry Crisis Line, what is your emergency?
ALFRED, LORD TENNYSON (caller): Theirs not to make reply,
PATIENCE: If you don’t tell me what’s wrong, I can’t help.
TENNYSON: Theirs not to reason why,
PATIENCE: So you don’t want me to figure out what’s wrong?
TENNYSON: Theirs but to do and die.
PATIENCE: If someone’s in danger I can send help if you share your location.
TENNYSON: Into the valley of death
PATIENCE: Death Valley? The national park?
TENNYSON: rode the six hundred.
PATIENCE: Right. I can request a specific ambulance but you’ll probably get whatever’s closest.