The Highwayman

Typically, I don't care for poetry, but "The Highwayman" is one of a handful of poems that I do like.

I first heard it when my teacher read it out to my form group at the end of term in December 1988. We were the only class in school not allowed a Christmas party because the teacher didn't believe this should be allowed, so he read us a series of poems & stories, of which "The Highwayman" is the only one I remember. I liked it as it has a strong story and I've always had a fascination with highway robbers.

Not long after this, I saw the video to Fleetwood Mac's "Everywhere", which is inspired by "The Highwayman" poem. I've watched this on and off over the years & listened to the song countless times, so I guess this has kept the poem in show more my memory all this time.

It never occurred to me to re-read it. The only reason I have now done so is because the poem was featured in Wallis Peel's non-fiction book on highwaymen and highwaywomen called "Stand and Deliver".

I remembered a lot of it, including the outcome, because the "Everywhere" video reveals it, but this didn't spoil anything. It's short and to the point with a vivid narrative and a supernatural twist. show less

A haunting visual version of the Tennyson classic in picture book format. Keeping's masterly use of both positive and negative space, evoke both the promise of true love, as well as the tragic pathos decribed in Tennyson's poetic narrative. The reverse of the black on white illustrations to white on black at the end, signifying the lovers reunited in death, is particularly effective. A sophisticated picture book for an older audience.

This version of Alfred Noyes classic The Highway is a modern reimaging by Governor General’s Award winning artist Murray Kimber.
Kimber leaves the text in the original 19th century form, but provides an series of beautiful illustrations appropriate to a more modern age (specifically from the American prohibition era). The story remains hauntingly powerful and the evocative illustrations, done mostly in black and white, with colouration in grey and brown, strengthen the readers’ perception of the words.

Although the artwork is impressive, it might distract readers from the poem's original context, which is pretty interesting in my opinion. It re-contextualizes the poem to such an extent that it possibly doesn't do justice to the original.

Brilliantly illustrated, but this one will have to sit on the shelf for a while, until the kids are a bit older, as it is rather gruesome.

Veronica had this in class yesterday, so I thought it best to give it a read. Strong stuff, and inspiring. "Watch for me by moonlight".

Read online at Poem of the Week.

Veronica had this in class yesterday, so I thought it best to give it a read. Strong stuff, and inspiring. "Watch for me by moonlight".

Read online at Poem of the Week.