In 1819, John Keats wrote five of the greatest odes in the English language. Five leading contemporary poets each celebrate a single ode.
2. Sean O'Brien on Ode on Melancholy
1819 was a stunningly fertile year for John Keats, when he wrote five of the greatest odes in the English language and actually introduced words and phrases never heard before - "Season of mists and mellow fruitfulness.....", "Beauty is Truth, Truth Beauty....."
The multiple award-winning poet Sean O'Brien explores the depth and meaning of Ode on Melancholy, both uncovering Keats' mastery of the language and sharing how important the poem has been to him personally since the loss of fellow-poet and friend Michael Donaghy, who used to recite the ode by heart.
Producer : Beaty Rubens