Title: Speak, old parrot /
Authors: Abse, Dannie,
Publisher: Hutchinson,
Year: 2013
Subjects: English poetry
Abstract: "The ventriloquist bird invoked at the beginning and end of Dannie Abse's new collection is bright-plumed but figitive. On its wing we enter a rich poetic landscape of real and imagined worlds, in which humour and tragedy appear in turn with startling vividness. At the autobiographical heart of this collection ... is a particular view of human possibilities, a delight in things seen and achieved and an awareness of the transience of it all."--Book jacket.
Contents: Talking to myself -- The old gods -- In Highgate Woods -- Portrait of an old doctor -- Winged back -- Cricket bat -- Moonbright -- Sunbright -- The summer frustrations of Dafydd ap Gwilym (Dafydd and the Brecon deacon's wife (storm) ; Dafydd at Llanbadarn ; Dafydd's night at an English inn ; Dafydd's oath ; Letter not sent) -- Last visit of uncle Isidore ; Bluebells ; Scent -- The bus -- Parrotscold -- A story -- Parable -- Vows (A Galway story ; Hiraeth ; The cuneiform tablet ; Peace in our time)