Hello, everyone.
Leonard Cohen was born in Quebec, Canada. He died in 2016, aged 82. He released 15 albums as well as several books of poetry.
George Gordon Byron, the 6th Baron Byron, known as Lord Bryon, died in 1824 at the age of 36. His only legitimate child, Ada Lovelace, was one of the founders of computer science.
A theme from the first poetic text is hope in times of despair. Think and write about despair and hope.
Themes from the second text are ageing and fading. Write about age and its consequences.
The structure of the Cohen text can be found in the title. It is an 'Anthem'. How can you write an anthem for something?
The structure of the second text is effectively six lines, with each line split in half and indented. You could write with some of your lines at the margin and some indented into the page.
Six words to attempt to incorporate into your writing from Cohen: dwell, free, sent, perfect, sum, strike.
Six words from Byron: more, night, breathe, rest, return, moon.
If you have a copy of The Exercise Book (Manhire, Duncum, Price & Wilkins) turn to page "#37: Song Titles" for an additional challenge.
That's all. I hope you are inspired to write today.
Anthem
by Leonard Cohen
The birds they sang
At the break of day
Start again
I heard them say
Don't dwell on what has passed away
Or what is yet to be
Ah, the wars they will be fought again
The holy dove, she will be caught again
Bought and sold, and bought again
The dove is never free
Ring the bells that still can ring
Forget your perfect offering
There is a crack, a crack in everything
That's how the light gets in
We asked for signs
The signs were sent
The birth betrayed
The marriage spent
Yeah, and the widowhood
Of every government
Signs for all to see
I can't run no more
With that lawless crowd
While the killers in high places
Say their prayers out loud
But they've summoned, they've summoned up
A thundercloud
They're going to hear from me
Ring the bells that still can ring
Forget your perfect offering
There is a crack, a crack in everything
That's how the light gets in
You can add up the parts
But you won't have the sum
You can strike up the march
There is no drum
Every heart, every heart
To love will come
But like a refugee
Ring the bells that still can ring
Forget your perfect offering
There is a crack, a crack in everything
That's how the light gets in
Ring the bells that still can ring
Forget your perfect offering
There is a crack, a crack in everything
That's how the light gets in
So We'll Go No More a Roving
by Lord Byron
So, we'll go no more a roving
So late into the night,
Though the heart be still as loving,
And the moon be still as bright.
For the sword outwears its sheath,
And the soul wears out the breast,
And the heart must pause to breathe,
And love itself have rest.
Though the night was made for loving,
And the day returns too soon,
Yet we'll go no more a roving
By the light of the moon.