David Constantine Poetry

David Constantine is a British poet and translator. His collections include Madder, Caspar Hauser, Collected Poems, and Nine Fathom Deep. He has also translated works form Goethe, Brecht, and Jaccottet, among others. He has won numerous awards, such as the Queen’s Gold Medal for Poetry in 2020. Read more about David Constantine with his biography.

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Watching for Dolphins

David Constantine’s ‘Watching for Dolphins’ presents urbanites seeking spirituality in nature, symbolized by their quest to spot dolphins.

'Watching for Dolphins' is part of Constantine's poetry collection of the same name, which was shortlisted for the Whitbread Poetry Prize. He is greatly influenced by English Romanticism and writes within the tradition of romantic literature. This poem aligns with his romantic style of writing, embodying elements characteristic of romantic poetry, including the romantic preoccupation with nature and its ability to offer sublime experiences and the longing for spiritual experiences amidst growing industrialization as the city dwellers in the ship long for dolphins.

In the summer months on every crossing to Piraeus

One noticed that certain passengers soon rose

From seats in the packed saloon and with serious

Looks and no acknowledgement of a common purpose

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