You may know Ursula Fanthorpe (known as UA Fanthorpe), but I discovered some of her work just a few years ago, and enjoy her new-to-me look at some treasures of life. This piece in The Telegraph shares three of her poems, and that she began writing Christmas poems for friends in 1974, and sent them in her yearly Christmas cards. You can find a collection of these poems in Christmas Poems: BC:AD here.
Here's a favorite poem by UA Fanthorpe for Christmas:
BC:AD
This was the moment when Before
Turned into After, and the future's
This was the moment when nothing
Happened. Only dull peace
Sprawled boringly over the earth.
the rest is here, along with two others, also intriguing ideas about the history told.You can view it with music, too:
Happy Holidays to you, wherever you are, whatever you celebrate. May you find joy, rest, and laughter at this special time of year.
I love how Fanthorpe uses point of view to give the Christmas story an unexpected twist. Thanks for sharing, Linda. Merry Christmas to you and your family!
ReplyDeleteThanks Catherine, these poems are delightful in their approach, I agree. Happiest of holidays to you, too.
DeleteLove the modern viewpoint in these poems, and that they were written to be shared with friends--how terrific it must have been to be on U A Fanthrope's Christmas card list!
ReplyDeleteYes, it would be wonderful to have been on her list! Thanks, Buffy.
DeleteThank you for sharing these, Linda! I'm with Buffy -- what fun to have received one of Fanthrope's cards! I think maybe my favorite is The Wicked Fairy at the Manger.
ReplyDeleteHer unique ideas for Christmas are wonderful to consider. Thanks, Tabatha.
DeleteI didn't know this poet, Linda - thanks so much for sharing! Original takes on Christmas, from wry to profound. Merry Christmas!
ReplyDeleteHappy to hear it's a new poet/poems for you, Robyn. Wishing a merry Christmas for you and your family, too.
DeleteFanthorpe is new to me too -- wonderful to read her poems, her POV is quite unique :). And yes, how cool would it be to receive one of her cards!
ReplyDeleteThanks Jama, happy you enjoyed the poems. Happy Holidays to you and the family!
DeleteWow, what powerful poetry and in chant is even more moving. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome, Margaret. Lovely that you liked them.
DeleteLinda, what a unique perspective is seen in these poems that you shared by a poet unknown to me. I enjoyed the Reindeer Report from a modern day Santa.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Carol. A friend sent me the BC:AD a few years ago, and I've looked for her poems once in a while. They're always thoughtful.
DeleteShe's new to me -- and I love her! Thank you.
ReplyDeleteShe's new to me, too! Love the ending of that poem!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful video - great to know about a new poet! :)
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