Quotes from Adrian Mitchell

Written poetry is different. Best thing is to see it in performance first, then read it. Performance is more provocative.

Stadium rock and commercial rock are the opposite of what poetry needs. An audience of around 200 is ideal for poetry.

I use rock and jazz and blues rhythms because I love that music. I hope my poetry has a relationship with good-time rock'n roll.

The man who believes in giraffes would swallow anything.

Most people ignore most poetry because most poetry ignores most people.

Stadium rock and commercial rock are the opposite of what poetry needs. An audience of around 200 is ideal for poetry.

Poetry is an extra hand. It can caress or tickle. It can clench and fight.

There have always been poets who performed. Blake sang his Songs of Innocence and Experience to parties of friends.

When I am sad and wearyWhen I think all hope has goneWhen I walk along High HolbornI think of you with nothing on

Most people ignore most poetry because poetry ignores most people.

When I am sad and weary When I think all hope has gone When I walk along High Holborn I think of you with nothing on.

How her fist fits my palm, A bunch of consolation.

I know a lie when I hear one.

I want to speak, to sing to total strangers. It's my way of talking to the world.

Written poetry is different. Best thing is to see it in performance first, then read it. Performance is more provocative.

I was run over by the truth one day.Ever since the accident I've walked this way

I use the language I use to my friends. They wouldn't believe me if I used some high-flown literary language. I want them to believe me.