A new generation of younger poets from a wide range of backgrounds is attracting much attention. The 100 Poems on the Underground anthology has sold 100,000 copies.
Poetry can be popular when it is presented in the right way.
Millions of people write poetry. Millions more know at least a few poems, perhaps first heard at school, which mean a great deal to them. Poems are concise - they can easily be made accessible through posters, bookmarks and projects like the hugely successful Poems on the Underground. Most poets these days are accomplished readers of their work with a growing audience for poetry readings and performances. There's a huge national network of groups, small magazines and publishers, festivals and venues.