Poetry Epicenter (03:58)

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Notable writers include William Russell, Alan Bleasdale, and Jimmy McGovern. Adrian Henri, Roger McGough, and Brian Patten meet during the 1960s. Hear excerpts of "Little Johnny's Confession" and "Let Me Die a Young Man's Death."

Family Influence (07:16)

"What Does Your Father Do" is a confessional poem about McGough's father's job as a Liverpool dock worker. Most of Patten's poems are autobiographical. Poets recite "The Betrayal," "Survivor," and "Wearing Thin."

Childhoods (03:28)

Poets recite "Neighborhood Watch," "Learning to Read," and "Where Are You Now, Batman?" Patten discusses the influence of serial movies for children on his poetry.

Common Themes (06:14)

McGough explains how communication breakdowns with his father influences his poetry. Poets recite "Love," "The Railings," and "So Many Different Lengths of Time." Poetry is honest but not necessarily the truth.

Poet Perception (03:25)

Being a poet is a solitary lifestyle. Poets recite "Cosy Biscuit" and "The Projectionist's Nightmare." Liverpool receives the European Capital of Culture award for 2008.

Credits: Liverpool: City of Poets (00:28)

Credits: Liverpool: City of Poets