The Poetry Audit
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A chill wind of accountancy
Swept down through Academe
"Who is this Muse?" asked auditors.
"What does she charge per dream?
And how much do these poets cost
In real terms each year?"
"Dunno..." an old professor said.
"They've always just been here.
With it being Academe an' that
You take the thing for granted
Like certain types of greenhouse flowers
They won't take being transplanted."
"We see," the auditors replied.
"Well here's what we're advising.
A programme pruning out dead wood,
In other words, downsizing.
The poetry list's redundant now
A sunset situation.
We want the OUP to be
A streamlined operation.
De-cruit the muse. De-job the poets.
The firm is in a coma.
It's wake-up time and by the way...
Who's this slacker, Homer?"
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments