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42 POETS NAMED ROBERT, by                 Poet's Biography

"42 Poets Named Robert," by Robert Sward, presents a playful and self-aware homage to the numerous poets who share the name Robert. The poem lists these poets, creating a litany that celebrates the diversity and richness of poetry through the lens of a common first name. The repetition of "Robert" emphasizes both the individuality and the shared identity among these poets, highlighting how a name can be a thread connecting a wide array of voices and styles.

The poem's structure is straightforward, primarily composed of a list of names and associations. It begins with well-known figures such as Robert Frost and Robert Lowell, immediately setting a high bar of literary achievement. The inclusion of various poets, from canonical figures like Robert Browning and Robert Burns to contemporary poets like Robert Creeley and Robert Pinsky, showcases the broad spectrum of poetic traditions and innovations represented by the Roberts.

Sward adds a personal touch by mentioning his own interactions and experiences with some of these poets, such as performing in taverns and coffee houses with Canadian poets Robert Priest and Robert Zend. This anecdote humanizes the poem, moving it beyond a mere catalog of names and into the realm of personal narrative and community. The reference to "Major Robert's Restaurant" in Toronto cleverly plays with the name Robert and the concept of major poets, adding a layer of humor and irony.

The poem also acknowledges the cultural and geographical diversity of the poets, from the American poet Robert Bly to the Canadian critic Robert Fulford, and even the Scottish poet Robert Louis Stevenson. This geographic spread underlines the universal nature of poetry and how it transcends borders and nationalities.

The mention of poets like Robert Service and Robert Southey, known for their narrative and balladic styles, alongside modern and avant-garde poets like Robert Duncan and Robert Kelly, reflects the wide range of poetic forms and approaches encompassed within this name. It subtly comments on the evolution of poetry and the different ways poets named Robert have contributed to the art form.

The poem concludes by nodding to the more obscure or less celebrated poets named Robert, as well as those in related fields like literary criticism, represented by Robert Weaver and Robert Fulford. This inclusiveness suggests a democratic approach to literary recognition, valuing the contributions of all, regardless of fame or acclaim.

"42 Poets Named Robert" is a clever, light-hearted poem that uses the shared name of Robert as a lens to explore and celebrate the diversity within the world of poetry. It serves as a tribute not only to the poets themselves but also to the interconnectedness of the literary community. The poem highlights how, despite sharing a common name, each poet brings a unique voice and perspective to the literary landscape, enriching it in myriad ways.


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