REVIEW OF A POETRY COLLECTION


Under the carpet is Cameron McDougal’s second poetic collection, and one would expect from a young writer debut was greeted such enthusiasm back in 1999, dramatic changes style and technique are not apparent in his new work. This is intended to be more of a general observation a criticism: the texture of McDougal’s poetry is unfalteringly romantic and passionate, and is delivered through the simplest most effective language.
Under the Carpet includes 14 poems written by McDougal in the last two years, as as eight which were written before the publication of Poems in 1999. modern Scottish poets embrace a wide variety of themes as comfortably as McDougal. Unrequited love, forlorn ramblings, teasing ballads about his friends at university, innocent childhood memories and razor-sharp political comment are there - expressed through a romantic mood which is endearingly naive. The influence of the “angry young men” of the 60s and 70s is indeed evident; McDougal has adopted Philip Larkin’s tendency toy with rhythm and emotion, and a recurring linguistic arrhythmia reminiscent of Ted Hughes. is mainly through these two devices that McDougal manages to colour his discourse with precision and clarity every time he wishes to change the mood or the hue of his nuances.
is left with little doubt about McDougal’s technical mastery of verse. At 34, he has managed to establish as a recognisable name in the Scottish poetry scene, and alone is admirable. McDougal continue to write poetry of such quality, he will remain at the forefront of the literary scene for some time to come.

VOCABULARY

Unfalteringly: steadily, resolutely. decididamente.
To embrace: to include, to contain. abarcar.
Unrequited love: love which is not returned. amor no correspondido.
Forlorn: hopeless, abandoned, desolate. triste.
Rambling: confused speech or writing. Divagación.
Razor-sharp: agudo, agudísimo.
Endearing: attractive.
To toy: to play.
Recurring: recurrente.
Hue: colour.
Forefront: vanguardia.