This Is Just To Say

[callmemadam]

How frustrating! I walked into the kitchen, where the Today programme was on, and caught someone reading this old favourite poem:

I have eaten
the plums
that were in
the icebox

and which
you were probably
saving
for breakfast

Forgive me
they were delicious
so sweet
and so cold

William Carlos Williams

I certainly haven't time to Listen Again, so if anyone can tell me why it was being quoted, I'd be grateful.

This apparently simple poem is one that stays with you always and I don't know anyone who doesn't like it.

Comments

[slemslempike.livejournal.com]

He used to be a lecturer in English - he's got some interesting things to say about literature and other art in his books.

[callmemadam.livejournal.com]

Thank you so much, all is clear!

Why does my heart sink when I read 'Some of the nation's best-loved writers and celebrities'? Who are they to say I love them?

[callmemadam.livejournal.com]

Which books have you read?

[rosathome.livejournal.com]

I was amused to finish a book yesterday and only then to notice that the endorsement on the back was from Angela Rippon!

[callmemadam.livejournal.com]

Heh! Lucky you didn't see it first. Though, see above, a lot of so-called celebs are much brighter than you'd give them credit for.

[slemslempike.livejournal.com]

His autobiography and part of his new book about touring stand-up. It is "interesting things" in passing in the context of a comedy career, rather than Deep Thorts about the great works - but I had always rather dismissed him on his laddish persona, and it was interesting to have that challenged.

[scarletts-web.livejournal.com]

I have just discovered your journal through various people we have in common. Within a few minutes of reading, you've mentioned tulips, obsessive reading of the Womens Room over the head of a baby (snap) and other things which I am keen on. May I add you to my friends list please?

[callmemadam.livejournal.com]

I'd be delighted!

This is just to say.

[(Anonymous)]

Sadly there are still many people out there who think it's just a bit of prose masquerading as verse.
"Since when did a message on a post-it note become poetry?"

Re: This is just to say.

[callmemadam.livejournal.com]

Idiots.