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In memory of William Wordsworth

(from the archive . . . originally published 23/04/2014)

While everyone’s popping corks and toasting Shakespeare’s 450th birthday, spare a little thought for another bard: William Wordsworth

On this day, 164 years ago, William Wordsworth drew his final breath and entered the timeless world of venerated poets and artists. Remembered for his love of nature, Wordsworth has made a lasting impression on our collective consciousness whether we realise it or not.

Perhaps he represents a way of looking at the world that, in our sneering post-modern society, has since become unfashionable.

When reading his poems, however, it’s clear they’re from a place of truth and sincerity. He really did marvel at things most people take for granted. He saw the world with, as Blake would say, ‘The doors of perception cleansed’. Throughout his adulthood Wordsworth retained the child’s vision, the ability to ‘make strange’ with the eye.

We can learn a lot from him. When you walk down the street, do you notice the extraordinary in the ordinary? Can you appreciate the forms of nature as if seeing them for the first time?

If you think life is dull, perhaps you need to look. I mean really look. Not by tensing the muscles around your eyes, but by clearing all the socially conditioned preconceptions from your vision.

Thank you Wordsworth for reminding me that life is beautiful, strange and ugly. And if you can hear me now, say happy birthday to Shakespeare.

About the author

Simon Kohli is a freelance writer with a penchant for absurd satire. He also does copywriting, content creation and marketing strategy for independent businesses.

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