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Simon Cutts and Stuart Mills

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Private Tutor Issue 1 (text only)

August 1967

Assuming from the onset that the reader has little or no grounding in literature
we will commence and continue in a very direct manner.


TO THE YOUNG WOULD-BE POET, FIRST OF SOME WARNINGS.

NEVER Trust the heart
AVOID Whenever possible the photographs of other poets even though
you may admire them.
NEVER Expect to discover a fruitful relationship with more than three 
other poets.
Never Try to make people ashamed of themselves
Never Try to make people respect you
Never Try to appear harmless and good
Never Try to influence politicians
Never Try to define poetry.

FIRST EXERCISE.
     Obtain a copy of John Millington Synge's poetry.
     Read all the poems.
     Decide which one you prefer.

     For the next month show only this poem to your
     acquaintances, send only this poem to all the
     editors you intend to inundate, always explaining
     carefully why you like it.
     Write no poetry during this month.

Should you find nothing of interest in Synge you will obviously be unable to
commit yourself to one of the poems. Instead, answer briefly the
following questions;

1. Why do you think Synge wrote so little.
2. Does Synge interest in Villon signify anything.
3. Might one reasonably assume Synge to be more a dabbler
than a real poet.
4. Indicate the general themes in Synge's poetry.
5. How do these differ from your own intentions.


Tarasque Press The Trent Book Shop Trent Bridge Nottingham

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