Don Paterson is an award-winning poet, editor and teacher, but for all his technical ability and the recognition that has been paid to his work Paterson is acutely aware of awe and sometimes envy when he looks at the work of other writers. Here he applies his wit and skills of technical analysis to discussing the five poems he wishes he had written.

Large Bad Picture

Remembering the Strait of Belle Isle or

Receding for miles on either side

their bases fretted by little arches,

On the middle of that quiet floor

And high above them, over the tall cliffs'

One can hear their crying, crying,

In the pink light

while the ships consider it.