A.I. and Obscure Catholic Poets
Twice, within minutes, I asked Bing AI to “Tell me about an obscure Catholic poet.” I got two different replies. This was the first:
Here’s a brief introduction to John Skelton, an English poet who lived during the 15th and 16th centuries. Skelton was born in Norfolk, England, around 1460, and he was ordained as a priest in 1498. He is known for his satirical and irreverent poetry, which often criticized the church and the monarchy. Skelton’s most famous work is “The Bowge of Courte,” a satirical poem that mocks the court of Henry VII. Skelton’s poetry is characterized by its use of alliteration, rhyme, and wordplay, and it often explores themes of morality, politics, and religion.
And this was the second:
Joyce Kilmer: An American poet, essayist, and literary critic, Joyce Kilmer was a convert to Catholicism. He is largely remembered for his poem “Trees,” and many of his poems deal with his faith or with the beauty of nature. He died in 1918.
Siegfried Sassoon: Born in 1886 to a moderately wealthy English family, Sassoon was a soldier, essayist, and prolific poet. He is best known for his poems inspired by his experiences in World War I. Sassoon converted to Catholicism in 1957, and his later poetry reflects his faith.
Roy Campbell: A South African poet, Campbell converted to Catholicism in 1956. His poetry often deals with themes of love, nature, and spirituality. He died in 1957.
Ruth Pitter: Born in 1897 in Ilford, England, Pitter was a prolific poet and a close friend of C.S. Lewis. She converted to Catholicism in 1948, and her later poetry reflects her faith. She died in 1992.
Robert Francis: An American poet, Francis was born in 1901 in Upland, Pennsylvania. He converted to Catholicism in 1956, and his later poetry reflects his faith. He died in 1987.
Dare I ask a third time? Ok, I did:
Certainly! Here’s a brief introduction to Joyce Kilmer, an American Catholic poet who lived in the early 20th century. Kilmer was a soldier, essayist, prolific poet, and literary critic, and while he is largely forgotten today, he was considered one of the greatest literary figures of his time. Interestingly, like many other great Catholic literary giants, Joyce Kilmer was a convert to Catholicism. He is largely remembered for his poem “Trees,” and many of his poems deal with his faith or with the beauty of nature.
And there it is, my first (and last) AI generated post.