Tag Archives: John Dryden

Lear’s Nonsense Perfect for Children

By Robin Bates | Published: February 6, 2014

My grandson’s tiny body and large head brought to mind Edward Lear’s Yonghy-Bonghy-Bo.

Posted in Uncategorized | Also tagged , , , | Comments closed

The Worst Poem Ever Published?

By Robin Bates | Published: October 7, 2013

The worst poem ever published may be William McGonagall’s “The Tay Bridge Disaster.”

Posted in Uncategorized | Also tagged , , , , | Comments closed

Upon the Anniversary of My Son’s Death

By Robin Bates | Published: April 30, 2013

Remembering my son’s death brings to mind a beautiful elegy by John Dryden.

Posted in Uncategorized | Also tagged , | Comments closed

Ode Softens Blow of Friend’s Departure

By Robin Bates | Published: August 16, 2012

The departure of a friend put me in mind of a John Dryden ode–which led in turn to recalling an intense moment of connection.

Posted in Uncategorized | Also tagged , , , | Comments closed

Beware the Fury of a Patient Man

By Robin Bates | Published: July 25, 2011

“Beware the anger of a patient man.” This line from John Dryden’s “Absolom and Architophel” occurred to me as I was listening to President Obama’s speech this past Friday. Does the poem have any predictive value when it comes to our budget impasse?

Posted in Uncategorized | Also tagged , , , | Comments closed

Enough Already, Rush, Glenn, Shadwell!

By Robin Bates | Published: July 14, 2010

Last week when I complained about Christopher Hitchens, I think I was reacting as much to the incessant chatter of pundits as to Hitchens himself. At present there appear to be non-stop voices competing with each other to see who can make the most outrageous claims or confrontational statements, whether on talk radio, cable television, […]

Posted in Uncategorized | Also tagged , , , , , , , | Comments closed