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Being Laureate does not inspire poetry in Motion
Danny Brierley10.09.08
The Poet Laureate has revealed that during his nine years in the role his works have failed to provoke a single response from the Queen.
Speaking to an audience in west London, the current incumbent Andrew Motion said as well as a lack of critical response from his employer, the historic role of scribe to the sovereign had been "incredibly difficult and thankless" and saddled him with a bad case of writer's block.
"I dried up completely about five years ago," the 55-year-old poet and author told the Ealing Arts Festival. He has held the position since 1999 and his works as Laureate include a rap-style elegiac for Prince William's 21st birthday.
Mr Motion added: "The Queen never gives me an opinion. The last thing I did was for her diamond wedding anniversary [in 2007]. Afterward she told me 'thank you' but I have no idea if she really liked it."
Mr Motion added that aspects of the the position, believed to come with an annual £5,000 stipend, were "extremely valuable - such as the chance to speak up for poetry".
Reader views (2)
One is Queen of all the Realm
And never did one's duties shun.
Yet one is weary of the rap and verse
And crap and worse from Mr Motion.
- Ken, Bexleyheath,UK
If the man dried up five years ago, what does he expect? Anyway - after five years of arid prose he's still got the job. Surely that is saying something! What does he want, glowing tributes on every work he does? The lack of criticism would keep me happy in a like situation.
- Rogan, DFW TX
