Simon Armitage Confronts Cancer with Poetic Tribute in Leeds
In a poignant event in Leeds, Poet Laureate Simon Armitage launched his new poem, The Campaign, to commemorate World Cancer Day. This commission from Yorkshire Cancer Research marks the charity's centenary year, blending art with advocacy in a heartfelt tribute to those battling the disease.
Overcoming Personal Daunts for a Public Cause
Armitage admitted that cancer has always been a daunting subject for him, having lost friends and family to it. "I find it very daunting," he said, reflecting on the emotional weight of the topic. However, when approached by Yorkshire Cancer Research, he saw an opportunity to demystify the illness through poetry. "I think I saw part of my task as being slightly demystifying and maybe de-mythologising or de-demonising cancer a little bit to myself," Armitage explained, highlighting his journey from avoidance to artistic engagement.
Inspiration from Yorkshire's Frontlines
To craft the poem, Armitage immersed himself in the realities of cancer by meeting 17 individuals across Yorkshire, including researchers, families, fundraisers, and patients, at the Yorkshire Cancer Research centre in Harrogate. "The thing that really galvanised everything for me was spending time at the centre," he noted, describing the experience as inspiring and moving. This visit provided the emotional depth he sought, steering clear of sentimentality in favour of hope and resilience.
One of those he met, Gary Lovelace, a former headteacher living with stage four kidney cancer, praised the poem's positive tone. "What was important for me was it finishes on a positive note," Lovelace said, particularly appreciating the line 'we keep on Yorkshiring on' as an inspirational finish. He added that hearing Armitage recite it in his Yorkshire dialect brought the words to life, making it a special piece.
A Centenary Symbol with Historical Roots
Dr Kathryn Scott, chief executive of Yorkshire Cancer Research, shared that the poem was commissioned to celebrate the charity's 100th year with something lasting and unique. "I have to admit, I had a little tear in my eye," she said upon first reading it. The poem's metaphorical dragon draws from a 1926 speech by Sir Harold Mackintosh, the charity's first honorary secretary, who urged Yorkshire to "slay the dragon" of cancer, echoing Saint George's legendary battle.
The Power of Poetry in Modern Times
Armitage, who has served as Poet Laureate since 2019, defended the relevance of poetry today, arguing it thrives amidst contemporary noise. "It's amazing really, I know I get very tired of people saying that young people, younger generations aren't interested in poetry, they absolutely are," he asserted. He believes poetry remains unkillable and valuable, offering a trusted voice in a chaotic world. Lovelace echoed this sentiment, noting that while some may prefer practical solutions like cures, poems can uplift and connect emotionally, enhancing well-being for those affected by cancer.
The Campaign: A Poetic Call to Action
The poem itself, The Campaign, uses vivid imagery to depict cancer as a dragon fought with community spirit, medical advances, and unwavering determination. It concludes with a rallying cry to "keep slaying the dragon inside, keep Yorkshiring on," symbolising ongoing resilience. This work not only honours World Cancer Day but also serves as a permanent symbol of Yorkshire Cancer Research's century-long mission, blending local pride with universal themes of hope and struggle.
