Last night I went to a memorial event for Edwin Morgan at The Southbank Centre, featuring readings of his work from close friends and colleagues, including Clinic favourite Roddy Lumsden and the incredible Jackie Kay. One thing that really stood out for me, and I'm sure everyone will agree, was hearing the poetry read in the Scottish accent, it really brings out that great texture and musicality in Morgan's poetry, that my poor English eyes and internal monologue simply cannot do justice.
The event lead me to discover a Morgan poem I'd not previously encountered, which really embodies Morgan's clever and witty style, his futurist affinities and his thorough dedication to poetry and language. At first glance the form of this poem is like some unfathomable game, but when read aloud it clicks beautifully into place, a poem then for the ears and the eyes. Something that certainly ticks all of my boxes.
Message Clear
am i
if
i am he
he r o
h ur t
the re and
he re and
he re
a n d
the r e
i am r ife
i n
s ion and
i d i e
am e res ect
am e res ection
o f
the life
o f
m e n
sur e
the d i e
i s
s e t and
i am the sur d
a t res t
o life
i am he r e
i a ct
i r u n
i m e e t
i t i e
i s t and
i am th o th
i am r a
i am the su n
i am the s on
i am the e rect on e if
i am re n t
i am s a fe
i am s e n t
i he e d
i t e s t
i re a d
a th re a d
a s t on e
a t re a d
a th r on e
i resurrect
a life
i am i n life
i am resurrection
i am the resurrection and
i am
i am the resurrection and the life