DESERT ISLAND POETRY
Desert Island Discs is a British biographical and factual radio program. It was first broadcast by the BBC on January 29, 1942.
Week after week, the guest, called a ‘castaway’ for the sake of the program, is asked to choose eight pieces of music that they would like to take with them to a desert island. These musical choices provide the host with opportunities to discuss her guests’ lives.
In addition to the music, the castaway is asked which book they would take with them on the island; they are automatically given the Complete Works of Shakespeare and either the Bible or another religious or philosophical work.
Of course, the discussions about the music and the book make for fascinating conversations about childhood, life landmarks, griefs or joys. If you have never listened to Desert Island Discs, I advise you to look at their archives and listen to one or two. The collection includes actor Stephen Fry, singer Noel Gallagher, composer John Barry, the Archbishop of Canterbury, etc, As for naturalist Sir David Attenborough, he has been invited four times.
Desert Island Discs celebrated its 3,000th edition in 2014. For the occasion all sorts of data was released about this beloved program. The most popular musical choice has been Ode to Joy by Beethoven while the most requested artist is Mozart. The Beatles have been chosen 264 times.
Regarding books, Kingsley Amis requested The collected poetry of Robert Graves, Helen Mirren chose The Bhagavad Gita while Stephen Fry preferred TS Eliot’s Four Quartets.
I am now asking you to imagine you were the one stranded on the desert island. What book of poetry is so important to you that you would take it with you and read it over and over again?
dVerse 
Hi there, and hope you all have a nice Monday.. I had not heard that program, but music in combination with guest talk is a good topic.. as for poetry books, I would take a practical approach and select a thick anthology.. I have one edited by Harold Bloom, called “the best poems in the English Language”.. Harold Bloom is pretty funny too, and there are biographies as well as his comments.. I think I could have use of that on that Island, relaxing under the rustling canopies, waiting for the trade winds to bring me news..
An anthology sounds a good idea if you are looking for diversity.
An anthology–wise choice.
Wise.. but maybe a little boring.. 🙂
An anthology is only boring if you bring the wrong one. 😉
I doubt I would take an anthology either, as inside of an anthology one would find such a diversity of poetry that there might be a high percentage of poetry that I would not like. I would rather choose a book of poetry by someone I knew I liked so that the percentage of enjoyable poems would be higher. Smiles.
I might bring another book.. and that is Harry Martinsson’s Aniara.. a space-ship and an island have some similarities doesn’t it.
I am not at all familiar with that one.
Fascinating poetry.. a spaceship that leave earth, to colonize a planet loose it’s way and is hurled out into open space.. people know they they are doomed, but lives on… a little bit of a Space Odyssey set in poetry..
Hmm … I can never really get into anthologies. I have probably about 100 poetry books and when reading poetry (which I do everyday along with a fiction and non-fiction book on the go!) I prefer to just focus on one poet. I find it helps me get alongside them better rather than the bran tub approach!
Ahhh, but on a desert island, one poet for forever? I myself prefer to read several poets at once rather than several hundred, but if given the choice of only one book, I’d try to have access to all I could. I would be forced to read poets I would never have considered! Smiles. I’d pity anyone who only had just me to read! I’m one of those crazy people who have 8 books going at one time in various stages of being read. I am a voracious reader. Now that I use a tablet, I have hundreds of books at my fingertips. I am just a glutton for happy 🙂 . If we ever get stuck on an island together, I’ll let you borrow my anthology any time you wish.
Well that’s a wonderful offer 🙂
Hello, poets! Nice to welcome you at the pub today. Order your drinks and get the conversations rolling.
I think it has to be something tropical today… do you have any umbrellas for the drink today.
I have a few left. Tropical sounds good. Mojito maybe?
🙂 excellent
Yeah. But wait a while. It’s only noon here and I still have a lot to do!
We”ll wait for you, Victoria.
It’s still early, but I’m ready. Last day of my book giveaway–trying to promote all day. Ugh. Not my thing. Make it a double.
Double it is!
You can catch up!!! 🙂
If i am ‘ever’ stuck on a desert Isle.. cast away.. i will write something new and refreshing in the sand each day.. several times.. and perhaps hours on end.. with a stick.. since lead on stick never runs out with ink as sand.. as pencil or pen.. but if there is no stick and or ink as sand.. available.. i might read my “The Pocket Rumi’.. book.. of Wisdom Poetry.. smiles.. or who knows.. feels.. Just imagining.. dreaming.. and creating my way off the Island by trying something new that no other Island Outcast ever thinks.. feels.. or dreams of.. with human imagination and creativity… in fact and moreover feeling.. that IS precisely what i already do.. smiles again.. and if absolutely none of that works.. i will just dance.. drink coconut milk.. as a forager.. once again.. as usual.. like now.. in simple human bliss.. as God is the best dance partner of all.. with or without other friends.. who like to dance.. and live as well.. and my dance will change and never stay the same.. from now to now.. true human bliss..:)
Outcasts Dance
Island Castaway Dreams
Alive with GOD..:)
A great poet is always a good source for inspiration.
Pocket Rumi.. that sounds like a good choice.. wisdom is good to have on a desert island.
I’m sure I can count on you to let me borrow Rumi.
Ha! SMiles away now you are my dance friend.. Victoria..;)
Fred, you DO NOT want to see me dance–the spirit, yeah. But the body–nope.
People who can’t dance are WAY more fun to watch than people who can. 🙂
I used to dance! It’s the old joints
😉
Ha..! i frolicK..! do NOT really
dance.. or do poetry.. from
a science point of view..
i WiLL Love
to see you
frolick
Victoria..
there is
no frolic
i do not
LOVE..
sMiLES
expeciAlly
whEn frolic
begiNsK..:)
Oh, this is fun, Gabriella. I’m looking forward to seeing what everyone shares. It makes you stop and think. Poetry–I would have to say Mary Oliver’s New and Selected Poems, Volumes One and Two. Every time I open it, it is a new experience. There’s always something that’s gone unnoticed. I may forfeit a CD or two to include the Complete Collection of Calvin and Hobbes because I suspect humor would be an important medication. For music–Bach, Chant (a collection of Gregorian Chant), the Moody Blues (I’m giving my age away), Pavarotti Aria’s, and maybe some smooth Jazz. Gotta have some variety. I’ll be back after lunch!
Mary Oliver is a wonderful choice. Thank you for sharing your musical choices too. I love Calvin and Hobbes. There is so much wisdom in the humor there.
Calvin and Hobbes is a good choice, even a little poetic at times. I suspect Hobbes is actually a poet. Peace, Linda
I agree, he is!
Hobbes most def is a poet!!!
I have the collection–maybe I’ll just go study Hobbes’ poetry now. A philosopher at any rate.
He and Pooh both.
I love your choices Victoria ~ Mary Oliver and yes, Calvin & Hobbes, I do miss those drawings & fun reading ~
First of all, I would need a book of poems where the first 100 would be Poems To Improve Memory….Dearie me, my most heartfelt apologies. I was going to help Gabriella today since she would have been late. I took my violin and I for a walk, climbed up into a friendly oak there, perched on a branch and became lost in time. when it suddenly hit me the sun was a bit off, I scrambled down and hightailed it here. I am so sorry!!! My book of poems would be Norton’s Anthology of Poetry – 1000 years of poetry. I know I said I wouldn’t play it safe do an anthology, but Just making do with TS Eliot for forever didn’t quite make it. I do like the thoughts of writing new poems daily in the sand but need some other brains to keep me company, obviously. Hope you all are having a lovely day!
Ah.. you also took an anthology. but it seems a violin would be a good additional choice… and I was here 🙂
Be glad you were. the day called for something lilting and I am afraid I was playing, very badly, Boccherini’s No. 6 Opus 30. the birds didn’t eject me…I think I scraped out about 90% of the notes correctly. One of my favorites. Perfect for today up in a tall oak with warm sun and leaves starting to turn gold. the little folk around me went about their business and left me to embarrass myself in private.
What a wonderful way to spend a day.
Oh Victoria, it was bliss!
Thank you Gabriella for this most excellent thought to get us going! Please reach on the bottom shelf there for that lovely sake I have stashed and pour me just a thimble full.
Thank you, kanzensakura. I am afraid I still have a lot to learn as far as sake is concerned.
A friend of mine says, don’t ask her. After the third hour you will want to bang her over the head with the empty bottle…smiles But the bottle on hand for you or anyone one else is a a favorite, junmai daiginjo, Akita Hihaku….different from many with a floral hint – violets along with cherries and melon. Lovely. A thimble will do you. I’ll take a case of that for my desert island along with the Norton’s anthology.
Well, you are also allowed a luxury item. I am sure a great sake would count as luxury.
My violin would have to go with me. I hope there will be lemons on the island to put in the fresh cold water from the plenteous waterfalls!!!
The one time I tried sake, it was not kind to me.
It can do that to folks. The better sake is kinder but then it is so expensive. I mainly stick with ginger ale but a thimble full sometimes is nice.
I would take Karin Boye’s Complete Poems. This Swedish poet is one of my favorite.
Oh yes.. that is poetry I almost know by heart though.. so much to like in her voice.. she is an icon in Sweden. virtually unknown elsewhere.
She is the favorite poet of my best friend, who even as we speak is on her way to Paris for two weeks.
Your best friend sounds like a very interesting person, in more ways than one!
She is a dear. I met her at my first poetry reading centuries ago. We bonded on first sight. LOL, at one point, we were so close, people thought we were a couple. Just sisters of the soul, Mutt and Jeff. She deserves this getaway so badly. I asked if she were taking a book. she said she took a play from me and bought a tablet and now has tons of books at her fingers. So I imagine she has Boye along with Eliot for easy access.
I don’t know her work…must check it out.
Oh going to have to check her out. A new poet to me 🙂
Here is a link to her works translated to English.. 🙂
http://karinboye.se/verk/dikter/dikter-en.shtml
I think I would bring along my copy of Milton’s Paradise Lost. I may otherwise never get around to reading it, though I know I should.
As for a drink, I’ll just have a root beer because I have a budget to finish before the end of the day. (Though I’d much rather be reading poetry . . . any poetry.) Peace, Linda
Any preference for the root beer, Linda? You are very ambitious with Milton. I do not know whether the choice would cheer me up if I were stranded on a desert island.
I’ll be relying on my music choices for good cheer. As for the root beer, a Thomas Kemper would be awesome. Thanks.
Here, you are. Hope you enjoy it!
Linda–I’m afraid if you took Milton…and only had that to read, you would end up in the depths of that Inferno due to despair. I’ll lend you my Calvin and Hobbes. It has a lot of hidden spirituality and biblical meaning. I think. I must go check it out.
I’m assuming I also have my Bible (as the prompt did say that was a given) and my uplifting music, but I’ll take Calvin and Hobbes, too. 🙂 Thanks.
I think besides Shakespeare as a given, the Christian bible or other religious/holy book was also allowed.
I like an anthology. Poems from 1000 years of poetry from around the world. Poets for all kinds of moods.
Yes, I like reading a variety of poets too in a book ~ Makes for unexpected themes and styles ~
Exactly!
I would take books by Gregory Orr. I know the question was to take ONE book, but I am hoping that eventually his work will be collected and I could take a “collection” of his work. I would take Orr’s work because they inspire me. I find something new in them each time I read them. The poems are short, to the point, but lead my mind in different directions. Often if I am stuck for an idea about what to write about I read his words. Anyway that is the poet whose works I would like to take with me.
Great choice, Mary! Gregory Orr is a great poet. I wish he were better known. I certainly enjoy his concise poetry.
Poetry that inspires and is to the point..what’s not to like? I like that choice.
Another one for me to check out. I’m feeling quite “under-read.” But what a great way to discover new poetry. My formal poetry education was way too limited.
When we had the discussion about books, I made a list and discovered new loves. Same with this. Gabriella and my best friend both enjoy Karin Boye. My friend has been trying to get me to read her so now she is my new list 🙂
Glad I was another encouragement to discover her.
Knowing your interests, Victoria. you really should check out Gregory Orr. I have talked with him a few times around dVerse.
I am going to leave you all for a bit and get dinner for my hubster. Save some talk for me!!!!
Does one “piece” of music mean one song? Or can we stretch it to an entire album?
My book of choice would be Anne Sexton’s Collected Works. As for music, I’d take as much Ani Difranco as possible, along with the Dazed and Confused soundtrack (please let me take both CDs).
And please, oh please, let me be stranded on the same island as Fred. Something tells me he takes the party with him no matter where he goes. 🙂
I think it can be a CD and not just a soundtrack so you should be fine. Anne Sexton sounds good!
Anne Sexton is a good choice ~ She is something else 🙂
She is good, but I think she might leave me a bit depressed on that island.
What a great topic! I need to sit in one of those comfy leather chairs ~ just over there ~ with a glass of malt to ponder this. I have a number of favourite poetry books I return to on a regular basis. But we have an arm-twisting session here so I’m going to have to go with ……. gee this is tough …… (big intake of breath) … The Prodigal by Derek Walcott. I just love the pictures he paints with words, the levels of meaning behind them and this little volume visits a number of countries so plenty of diversity. Smile.
Derek Walcott is one I will have to look up.
The only poem of his I have read is the Bleecker Street one. It is a lovely sensual poem that I recall as being breathtaking.
Oh, I love Walcott! Maybe I should change my choice & bring Omeros. Which might be perfect…smiles
Ha! Now that’s one I’ve yet to read – now look what you’ve done!! 🙂
I hope you all have been enjoying yourselves. I asked my husband and he said the Shakespeare would be fine with him, that he would content himself rewriting the ends to all the plays and changing the sonnets to free verse.
That would be very challenging ~
Wouldn’t be boring!
I can’t just choose one book by a writer/poet so I will go with an Anthology ~ I like variety so a collection of readings from poets all over the world would be good for me ~
Interesting topic Gabriella & I will make note of checking some of poets mentioned in this post ~
Maybe one needs to pay attention to what anthology they are choosing.
i am late getting here; hope I haven’t missed last call…as Shakespeare is so kindly provided by the bbc I think I’d bring Emily Dickinson –or Yeats– or Rilke. They’ve gotten me through desert islands before & there’s always something new. Many thanks for the intro to Karin Boye. Will have to look her up! Great topic, Gabriella!
More ideas for great poetry reads on that desert island!
And all her poetry works are available online:
http://karinboye.se/verk/dikter/dikter-en.shtml
Thanks…. good ideas for diverse anthologies, all. Rachmaninoff comes to mind for music..or the Stones….
You have eclectic tastes, Kathy! I have not listened to the Stones for ages.
Rachmaninoff or Mahler would be perfect for me..
if i am to choose only one book i’d take a pocket edn. of The Bhagavad Gita and for music i’d take cds of Tagore songs…oh..i think i can spend my whole life with these… a very interesting topic Gabriella…
I see your poetical choice is the same as Helen Mirren’s. 🙂
The Drunken Universe – an Anthology of Persian Sufi Poetry. Being alone on a deserted island is the best time to connect with the inner divine 🙂 Won’t take any CDs but will just listen to the waves, the sound of wind among trees (if any), birdsong, insect buzz and deep silence. After a while, in the silence will hear my heart beat, the stars speaking ….
I have never heard of this anthology but I can imagine that Sufi poetry would be most inspiring.
On balance, it would have to be an anthology – probably A Child’s Garden of Verses -to revive happy memories, or maybe the GoldenTreasury of Longer Poems. But it would be good to have wi-fi and a Kindle, and then the sky’s the limit.
I think you are being optimistic if you think there would be wifi. I like the idea of reviving happy memories though.
Imagine to be stranded with Wifi a kindle, but nowhere to charge the device 🙂