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.
Happy (?) tax day, 2021
COUNSELOR: Poetry Crisis Line, what is your emergency?
T.S. ELIOT (caller): April is the cruelest month.
COUNSELOR: It’s May, this year.*
*Please forgive the reused cartoon and shoddy edit; I just finished filing my taxes and it’s all the energy I have left.
ROSIE (COUNSELOR): Poetry Crisis Line, what is your emergency?
J. ALFRED PRUFROCK: Should I part my hair behind?
ROSIE: What you do with your behind in private is your business. No matter how hairy it is.
PRUFROCK: Do I dare to eat a peach?
ROSIE: Wash your hands first.
PRUFROCK: I shall wear white flannel trousers and walk upon the beach.
ROSIE: If it makes you comfortable. But don’t be ashamed of your hairy behind.
Read the original here. Or check out this exquisite illustrated version by Julian Peters.
Happy 131st birthday to T.S. Eliot!
I realize that what I should be
is ragged claws under the sea:
I can’t get a date
and it’s getting late
and the mermaids aren’t talking to me.
