The Future of English Poetry

In this thoughtful essay, the speaker addresses an audience of literary enthusiasts, daring to speculate on the trajectory of English poetry over the coming century. He frames the discussion as a blend of modest conjecture and hopeful prophecy, inviting listeners to consider how verse might evolve amid changing cultural currents. By recalling past moments when poetry seemed on the brink of disappearance—such as fleeting lulls in Scandinavian and medieval French traditions—he underscores the resilience of the form.

Drawing from vivid analogies, the author paints a picture of poetic imagination as a winged Pegasus navigating dark skies, never quite certain where it will alight. He weaves historical references, from George Gascoigne’s confidence in poetry’s destiny to Ibsen’s prose‑driven innovations, to illustrate the enduring tension between verse and prose. The piece ultimately suggests that, despite doubts and fleeting fashions, English poetry will persist, continually reshaped by new voices and unforeseen influences.