Thousands

July 28, 2006 10:57 AM

Leonard Cohen reads his poetry on the Online NewsHour.
posted by wheelieman (9 comments total)

Unexpected treat thank-you.
posted by Unregistered User at 11:32 AM on July 28, 2006

Addendum:

The artist is, indeed, "the antenna of the race" as Ezra Pound once put it...
posted by Unregistered User at 11:35 AM on July 28, 2006

Indeed. Many thanks. My mum will be quite grateful.
posted by Blazecock Pileon at 11:38 AM on July 28, 2006

the heart of the matter is here, emphasis added:

LEONARD COHEN: I never thought of myself as a poet, to tell you the truth. I always thought that poetry is the verdict that others give to a certain kind of writing. So to call yourself a poet is a kind of dangerous description. It's for others; it's for others to use...

[this poem] is a very short one, but I think it speaks to the point. It's called "Thousands."

"Out of the thousands who are known or who want to be known as poets, maybe one or two are genuine and the rest are fakes, hanging around the sacred precincts, trying to look like the real thing. Needless to say, I am one of the fakes, and this is my story."
posted by ronv at 12:13 PM on July 28, 2006

The artist is, indeed, "the antenna of the race" as Ezra Pound once put it...

Yes, Ezra Pound was an expert on race. He's in hell with me. He's actually a fun guy in small doses.
posted by the ghost of Ken Lay at 12:17 PM on July 28, 2006

He uses that whole poetry is a verdict thing all of the time, but it never loses its impact. I want a Leonard Cohen afterworld.
posted by eunoia at 6:02 PM on July 28, 2006

It always feels like a privilege to read an interview with the esteemed Mr. Cohen. Such thoughtful and eloquent people are a rarity, it would seem, in this increasingly crass and belligerent world.
posted by flapjax at midnite at 6:45 PM on July 28, 2006

Thank you for posting this. Indeed a treat, and he is indeed a rare species. I'd prefer a world where Leonard Cohen was the President rather than having to wait for the afterworlds.



*yes, I know he can't be president - no snarking please, ok?
posted by rmm at 9:57 PM on July 28, 2006

wheelieman, Enjoyed this. Thanks.
posted by nickyskye at 10:45 AM on July 29, 2006