Adrian Mitchell Quotes

Most people ignore most poetry because poetry ignores most people.

I use the language I use to my friends. They wouldn't believe me if I used some high-flown literary language. I want them to believe me.

I use rock and jazz and blues rhythms because I love that music. I hope my poetry has a relationship with good-time rock'n roll.

Poetry is an extra hand. It can caress or tickle. It can clench and fight.

I want to speak, to sing to total strangers. It's my way of talking to the world.

Written poetry is different. Best thing is to see it in performance first, then read it. Performance is more provocative.

The man who believes in giraffes would swallow anything.

I know a lie when I hear one.

Stadium rock and commercial rock are the opposite of what poetry needs. An audience of around 200 is ideal for poetry.

When I am sad and wearyWhen I think all hope has goneWhen I walk along High HolbornI think of you with nothing on

I would have walked on the waterBut I wasn't fully insured.And the BMA sent a writ my wayWith the very first leper I cured.

There have always been poets who performed. Blake sang his Songs of Innocence and Experience to parties of friends.