Readers Pay Tribute to Carol Rumens, Guardian’s Poem of the Week Columnist
The Guardian has published a collection of tributes from readers and fellow poets honoring Carol Rumens, the newspaper’s long-serving 'Poem of the Week' columnist, who died recently at the age of 81. Rumens held the role for nearly two decades, cultivating a loyal readership by introducing audiences to eclectic and original poetry through accessible, non-academic commentary. Contributors describe her column as a weekly highlight that made Mondays something to look forward to, praising her shrewd insights and generous spirit. Several poets, including David Ward, Gwyneth Lewis, and Naomi Foyle, shared personal anecdotes highlighting Rumens’ kindness, mentorship, and support for female poets. They noted her ability to connect with writers from all sectors of the poetry world and her role as a sympathetic figure amidst online criticism. The tributes emphasize her profound impact on the literary community, describing her as a cosmopolitan humanist and a democratic voice in poetry criticism. Her death marks a significant loss to the Guardian and the broader poetry landscape, leaving behind a substantial archive of work that continues to inspire readers and writers alike.
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Readers Pay Tribute to Carol Rumens, Guardian’s Poem of the Week Columnist
The Guardian has published a collection of tributes from readers and fellow poets honoring Carol Rumens, the newspaper’s long-serving 'Poem of the Week' columnist, who died recently at the age of 81. Rumens held the role for nearly two decades, cultivating a loyal readership by introducing audiences to eclectic and original poetry through accessible, non-academic commentary. Contributors describe her column as a weekly highlight that made Mondays something to look forward to, praising her shrewd insights and generous spirit. Several poets, including David Ward, Gwyneth Lewis, and Naomi Foyle, shared personal anecdotes highlighting Rumens’ kindness, mentorship, and support for female poets. They noted her ability to connect with writers from all sectors of the poetry world and her role as a sympathetic figure amidst online criticism. The tributes emphasize her profound impact on the literary community, describing her as a cosmopolitan humanist and a democratic voice in poetry criticism. Her death marks a significant loss to the Guardian and the broader poetry landscape, leaving behind a substantial archive of work that continues to inspire readers and writers alike.
The Guardian