Stephen Spender

English poet and critic, Sir Stephen Spender was born in London. His early poetry—like that of W. H. Auden, C. Day Lewis, and Louis MacNeice, with whom he became associated at Oxford—-was inspired by social protest.

Abrupt and Charming Mover

by Stephen Spender (1909–95)

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16

Abrupt and charming mover,

Your pointed eyes under lit leaves,

Your light hair, your smile,

I watch burn in a foreign land

Bright through my dark night

And sheltered by my hand.

 My ribs are like a Jonah's whale 
 In which I dream you: from day 
 I have recalled your play 

Click here for complete poem

Poets Book of Days

February 28

Stephen Spender born, 1909

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Poetry Trivia

Question:

Who coined the phrase "Metaphysical Poet" when referring to John Donne?

Answer

John Dryden. It was intended to be disparaging: "He affects the Metaphysics [. . .] in his amorous verses, where nature only should reign; and perplexes the minds of the fair sex with nice speculations of philosophy, when he should engage their hearts."

Previous Trivia Questions

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