Poll reveals poetic dread

Published on Thursday 21 May 2009 22:22

BRITONS are baffled by poetry, with many living in fear of being asked to recite a poem in public.

Seven in ten (73 per cent) are "scared" by the form, according to a poll published today, while 67 per cent say reciting poetry leaves them tongue-tied.

On occasions when a recital is called for, such as a wedding or anniversary, more than 61 per cent of people say they dread being asked to perform.

But more than two-thirds of those questioned say they have put pen to paper to create their own verses.

Half have composed a poem for a loved one, but most admit to cringing at their own efforts.

Some 82 per cent of Britons also have trouble remembering poetry and cannot recite any by heart.

The poll, conducted to mark the transmission of the BBC documentary Off by Heart, found those aged 60 and over were more likely to know a poem by heart.