Barry Middleton

Tropical Testament Barry Middleton

I have been writing poetry for about fifty years and I have several rather inflexible beliefs about what I think poetry should be. First and foremost I believe poetry should be readable. One should not need a PhD in literature to understand the meaning. Second, poetry should be lyrical. It does not have to be structured or rhymed but the language should flow. Third, poetry should evoke emotion. It should touch some common human chord. It should remind us of an emotional space where we have been before. I hope I have achieved at least some of these goals in these poems.