A semi-perfect fit...

[Brian <bmcgow01@wild.vill.edu>]

A while ago, someone asked me to which poet does Townshend's work seem
closest.  At that time I said Walt Whitman based primarily on their
similar writings about religion, and the individual versus society.
However, I wasn't entirely convinced that Whitman was indeed a perfect
fit.  Today I spontaneously came up with a much better for Mr.
Townshend.  He is an American 20th Century poet most are probably not
familiar with, but I suggest you read his stuff.  Sure he never wrote a
top ten hit, but he is pretty damn good anyway.  Mr. Townshend's work, I
believe, is most reminiscent of the work of Wallace Stevens.  Stevens is
a lot more philosophical than Townshend, but they have similar styles.
Stevens has a much simpler style than most of his contemporaries
(compare with Eliot), and Townshend shares this simplicity.  If you like
Townshend's work, I highly suggest that you check out "The Emperor of
Ice-cream."  Granted it requires a little thinking to figure out what it
all means, but unlocking its secret is quite rewarding.

Just figured that I owed this to the person who originally asked me
about it.  Sorry if I bored most of you to tears, but the good thing
about email is that you an get rid of me with the push of a button.

For what it's worth,
-McGoo
"Poetry is the supreme fiction, madame."  -Wallace Stevens   <I figured
a Stevens
                                                                 quote
was appropriate today.