What Poems Are Included In Stevie Smith: A Selection?

Question

Noah · Answer

Stevie Smith’s 'A Selection' showcases her genius in mixing the macabre with the mundane. One poem that stuck with me is 'Harold’s Leap,' a grimly cheerful tale of a doomed jump. Then there’s 'The River God,' where a deity’s voice is both playful and terrifying—classic Smith. Her poems often use simple language to explore complex emotions, like in 'The Blue from Heaven,' a surreal take on longing. This collection isn’t just a sampler; it’s a crash course in her unique style.

I’d also highlight 'Cool as a Cucumber,' where Smith turns a cliché on its head, and 'To Carry the Child,' which captures the weight of emotional baggage with eerie precision. Her work feels timeless because it’s so human—full of contradictions, humor, and quiet despair. 'A Selection' is the kind of book you keep on your nightstand for those nights when only a dose of sharp, strange poetry will do.

Lincoln · Answer

Stevie Smith's 'A Selection' is like a treasure chest of her most poignant and quirky works. I first stumbled upon her poetry in a dusty secondhand bookstore, and 'Not Waving but Drowning' immediately hooked me with its eerie, melancholic simplicity. The collection includes that iconic piece alongside gems like 'The Frog Prince,' with its darkly whimsical tone, and 'Pretty,' which skewers societal expectations with sharp wit. Smith’s voice is unmistakable—playful yet profound, often masking deep loneliness beneath a veneer of childlike rhythm.

Other standout pieces in 'A Selection' are 'Away, Melancholy,' where she wrestles with despair in her trademark sparse style, and 'Thoughts about the Person from Porlock,' a witty jab at creative interruptions. What I love about Smith is how she balances the absurd and the tragic. Her poems feel like whispered secrets, and this collection captures that perfectly. It’s a must-read for anyone who enjoys poetry that lingers long after the last line.

Weston · Answer

If you’re new to Stevie Smith, 'A Selection' is a fantastic starting point. It’s packed with her signature blend of dark humor and raw emotion. Some of my favorites in it are 'The Singing Cat,' a bizarrely charming ode to a musical feline, and 'Pad, Pad,' which uses repetition to haunting effect. Smith’s work often feels like nursery rhymes for adults—deceptively simple but loaded with existential dread. The collection also features 'Tenuous and Precarious,' a title that sums up her entire aesthetic. Her poems are short but never slight; each one lingers. I’ve revisited 'A Selection' for years, and it never loses its magic. Smith’s ability to make the mundane feel monumental is why she remains one of my go-to poets.

Mason · Answer

Smith’s 'A Selection' is a masterclass in brevity and depth. Poems like 'No Categories!' and 'Angel Boley' showcase her knack for blending the whimsical with the profound. Her voice is instantly recognizable—wry, unsettling, and deeply empathetic. The collection’s strength lies in its variety, from the darkly comic 'Our Bog Is Dood' to the heartbreaking 'I Remember.' Each piece feels like a tiny window into her mind. If you enjoy poetry that defies expectations, this book won’t disappoint.

What Poems Are Included In Stevie Smith: A Selection?

4 Answers

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