I hate what every poet hates in spite
Of all the solemn talk of contemplation.
Oh, Alexander Selkirk knew the plight
Of being king and government and nation.
A road, a mile of kingdom, I am king
Of banks and stones and every blooming thing.


'Inniskeen Road: July Evening' (1936); referring to William Cowper (1731–1800) 'Verses Supposed to be Written by Alexander Selkirk' (1782): 'I am monarch of all I survey… / Better dwell in the midst of alarms, / Than reign in this horrible place'

Patrick Kavanagh Quotes

I hate what every poet hates in spite Of all the solemn talk of contemplation. Oh, Alexander Selkirk knew the plight Of being king and government and ...

I hate what every poet hates in spite Of all the solemn talk of contemplation. Oh, Alexander Selkirk knew the plight Of being king and government and ...

I hate what every poet hates in spite Of all the solemn talk of contemplation. Oh, Alexander Selkirk knew the plight Of being king and government and ...

I hate what every poet hates in spite Of all the solemn talk of contemplation. Oh, Alexander Selkirk knew the plight Of being king and government and ...