Anecdotal Evidence by Wendy Cope (Faber, 2018)
A favourite poet for decades now, Wendy Cope’s newest collection introduces her readers to some quieter, more reflective poems. Her wit is still in abundance, however. Evidence ‘A great deal of anecdotal evidence suggests that we respond positively to birdsong.’ (Daily Telegraph, 8.2.2012) Centuries of English verse Suggest the self-same thing: A negative response is rare When birds are heard to sing. What’s the use of poetry? You ask. Well, here’s a start: It’s anecdotal evidence About the human heart.