READINGS OF THE WORK BY PHILIP HARVEY

This article first appeared in Eureka Street in early November 2016 . Cartoon by Chris Johnston. What is the purpose of awarding a philanthropic literature prize to a millionaire rock star? If you wish to draw attention to an unsung national poet, why choose one of the world’s most famous Americans? If it has to be an American, why not one who writes books? Argument about Bob Dylan has peaked for the first time in forty years or so, leaving a lot of people wondering if they’re still “forever young”, and which side of the argument is right. Dylan’s relationship to literature is well known. He took his name from a Welsh poet. When he sang ‘Desolation Row’ Dylan was locking into the Beat world of Allen Ginsberg and Jack Kerouac. He quotes from a range of writers without fear of accusations of plagiarism. Scripture is close to hand, but also the cornucopia that is the songbook of American popular music. He copies Woody Guthrie and parodies Elvis Presley. His debt to the b...

It was alcohol in 1953 did Dylan in, No perhaps when the liver gives out. Words like a dictionary in spate Rampage after page of life’s dispute. Swansea hadn’t heard the like, New York neither as it took a look At tragic poet doing tragic poet Running with him a hell’s season, like a pet. He could only ever be who he was Same name, same desires, because. His book all over their shelves, His legend one no one solves. It’s a world of most personal inflection, A world of crass mass production. The evidence of towering ambition Scatters to the four corners of inhibition. A Jew will change his name in a hurry Who wants to be the next Woody Guthrie. Minnesota, special on short winter days But not when he has a head full of ideas Driving him insane and freedom Is just around the corner, a poem Pitted against indifference to the Same. Hey Jimmy don’t I know your name? Misheard? A lifetime of aliases Says he will only...