I hope it's clear that I think a confessional "I" version of "Shibboleth" (or, really, any of his clearly persona poems) would be dreadful. Katy, I think your "lifestyle article" comparison is apt. Of course when it's done well it works just like any other approach. I keep remembering Philip's "lies" remark, and I wonder why anyone would object to Donaghy's myriad masks when there are countless others out there documenting their lives (some good, some dreadful).
I wasn't being disapproving when I made that "barriers" remark, but merely trying to indicate where some people might find fault. Also, my point about the closing couplets was that many people automatically dismiss them because they are not exactly fashionable. In short, I think we're in total agreement about these things, Katy! I've had to write these posts quickly, so maybe I haven't come across as I'd like.
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