In fact it prevented me from writing poetry for some time. Mr. Birney said there are now many good publishing outlets for poets in Canada - and many more good poets than there were 40 years ago. Canadian poets, he said, are respected all over the world - except in the United States, which still has a provincial attitude to poetry. His readings of his own works have taken him to evry continent except Antarctica, he said. Asked if he believes a poet can change the world through poetry, he replied that all a poet can do is offer a warning.
People go to sermons for moral instruction and to poetry for enjoyment and enrichment of experience.
You have to know what your trade is. Permission granted by Don Moon, Canadian Press Clippings Services.