3 Must-Read George Macbeth Poems

George Macbeth was a Scottish poet who also worked as a novelist. His works include Lecture to the Trainees, Missile Commander, and Crab Apple Crisis. Poems from Oby was a choice of the Poetry Book Society. He also received the Geoffrey Faber Memorial Prize during his lifetime.

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The Wasps’ Nest

The speaker contemplates killing a queen wasp to avoid the swarms of offspring she will inevitably bring the next summer.

'The Wasps' Nest' is one of his most well known poems and encapsulates many of George Macbet's fascinations. The poem was included in his 1963 collection, 'Broken Places', which was dedicated to his mother and father. This poem reflects the trauma MacBeth endured with the death of his father during military service in 1941.

In burning sulphur in their dug-out hangars

All bred wasps must die. Unless I kill her.

So I balanced assassination with genocide

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When I am Dead

‘When I am Dead’ emphasises the importance of reconciling not only with death, but with one’s own beliefs.

'When I am Dead' by George MacBeth is a unique poem from his repertoire. Unlike many of his other poems, this does not feature violence or conflict, but instead a clam reconciliation with death. MacBeth also deviates from his frequent use of free verse, instead opting for tercets and single line stanzas. Although unlike much of his other popular poetry, 'When I am Dead' is a great demonstration of MacBeth's poetic prowess.

And I desire to be laid on my side

face down: since I have bad dreams

if I lie on my back.

No one shall see my face when I die.

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The Miner’s Helmet

‘The Miner’s Helmet’ navigates a son’s complex feelings towards his father’s past and legacy through a symbolic helmet.

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3 Must-Read George Macbeth Poems

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