English poet Christopher Smart was born April 11, 1722, 200 years ago. He wrote a considerable amount of poetry during his 49 years, much of it with religious themes and imagery. While confined to an asylum in 1759-1763 he wrote a very long poem, "Jubilate Agno" (Rejoice in the Lamb), which was discovered in 1939. The poem became influential for 20th century poets like Allan Ginsberg, Wendy Cope, and others. The composer Benjamin Britten wrote a beautiful piece "Rejoice in the Lamb" with selections from Smart's poem. The "Jubilate Agno" section that begins "For I will consider my Cat Jeoffry" is popular with cat lovers and has been published in its own books. https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/45173/jubilate-agno
No comments:
Post a Comment