34. Of Mutability by Jo Shapcott - A Friend To Hannah

The Poetry Exchange

In this episode, Hannah talks about the poem that has been a friend to her – ‘Of Mutability’ by Jo Shapcott.We’re delighted to feature ‘Of Mutability’ in this episode and would like to thank Faber & Faber for granting us permission to share the poem in this way.You can find ‘Of Mutability’ in OF MUTABILITY by Jo Shapcott (Faber & Faber, 2011). Reproduced by permission of Faber & Faber.Hannah visited The Poetry Exchange at Manchester Central Library, as part of the celebrations of International Mother Languages Day in the city.Many thanks to our partners Manchester Libraries, Archives Plus, The Manchester Writing School at Manchester Metropolitan University and Manchester UNESCO City of Literature. https://www.manchester.gov.uk/librarieshttp://www.archivesplus.org/about-archives/http://www.manchesterwritingschool.co.uk/http://www.manchestercityofliterature.com/Hannah is in conversation with The Poetry Exchange team members, Michael Shaeffer and Fiona Bennett.‘Of Mutability’Too many of the best cells in my bodyare itching, feeling jagged, turning rawin this spring chill. It’s two thousand and fourand I don’t know a soul who doesn’t feel smallamong the numbers. Razor small.Look down these days to see your feetmistrust the pavement and your blood teststurn the doctor’s expression grave.Look up to catch eclipses, gold leaf, comets,angels, chandeliers, out of the corner of your eye,join them if you like, learn astrophysics, orlearn folksong, human sacrifice, mortality,flying, fishing, sex without touching much.Don’t trouble, though, to head anywhere but the sky.

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