Speaking to the Heart: 100 Favourite Poems

Book excerpt: Inspiration, comfort and joy from 100 of Sister Wendy's favourite poems Well-known as a writer and television presenter on the history of painting, Sister Wendy Beckett's first love is for literature. In this anthology she presents one hundred of her favourite poems, well-loved or lesser known, some old but many modern. Grouped under themes such as longing, sorrow, and hope, she has chosen poetry for which, as she says 'the significance does not have to be puzzled out, but comes to us with an immediacy and power.' As well as introducing each section she has given short personal commentaries on most of the poems. This is an original collection, full of the infectious enthusiasm of its editor, the messages here are sometimes sad, but mainly ones of sympathy, hope and enjoyment.