Since it is “Bad Poetry Day“, I thought I would share what I found as I searched for the worst poem. Apparently this is the worst poem ever written:
“The Tay Bridge Disaster” is a poem written in 1880 by the Scottish poet William McGonagall, who has been recognized as the worst poet in history.[1] The poem recounts the events of the evening of 28 December 1879, when, during a severe gale, the Tay Rail Bridge at Dundee collapsed as a train was passing over it with the loss of all on board. The number of deaths was actually 75, not 90 as stated in the poem.[note 1] The foundations of the bridge were not removed and are alongside the newer bridge.
Photograph of section of the first Tay Bridge before its collapse, with a steam train
Original Tay Bridge (from the north)
Original Tay Bridge (from the South) the day after the disaster
The poem is by far the most famous ever written by McGonagall.[according to whom?] It begins:
- “Beautiful railway bridge of the silv’ry Tay
- Alas! I am very sorry to say
- That ninety lives have been taken away
- On the last sabbath day of 1879
- Which will be remember’d for a very long time.”
And it ends:
- “Oh! Ill-fated bridge of the silv’ry Tay,
- I now must conclude my lay
- By telling the world fearlessly without the least dismay,
- That your central girders would not have given way,
- At least many sensible men do say,
- Had they been supported on each side with buttresses
- At least many sensible men confesses,
- For the stronger we our houses do build,
- The less chance we have of being killed.”
Now if you are a potential poet and don’t know it, here are the tips to writing actual poetry. Keep in mind, if you don’t find the result appealing, today is also Pinot Noir Day. That might make you feel better.
How to Write Poetry: 11 Rules for Poetry Writing Beginners
