Well, in the UK, at least, it’s a national day and there’s plenty about it in all the national newspapers. The Guardian, for example, reports a selection of news and associated snippets.
This year’s theme is “heroes and heroines”. I can’t think of any poems in my files that fit that theme, and I certainly can’t produce one to order. So here’s one which refers to the ex-prime minister – definitely not a hero of mine. The poem was published in the South Bank Poetry Magazine a while back.
On guard
On the longest morning of the year, I drag
my bright-and-early suitcase past genteel rows
of small hotels and pause on the corner of a green
polygonal square. I ask directions of a well-heeled
lady jogger. Her ironic smile takes in the hour,
my baggage, the uneven flags… and clearly recommends
the long way round. Two bobbies stand encumbered
with low-slung weaponry and take-out polystyrene cups.
Beefeater-blank, one ignores my trundling progress
but his colleague winks. I wonder, does the ex-prime minister
sleep easy in his city-Sunday bed?
Not being in the UK, I won’t be going to any poetry readings or other poetical activities today. Still, the official National Poetry Day website does point out that “the simplest way to celebrate is at home with a good book and a cup of tea.”
Maybe I’ll just go and put the kettle on.
don't confuse the narrator 