'What is the purpose of poetry? [Candidates br will be awarded up to 80 of the total marks br for this paper on the answer to br this question. Write on one side of the paper only br but with both frontal lobes; br hearts may be used in answers to this question.]' br br After the two hours is up, hand in br a blank sheet; the examiner may sigh and smile. br br Some sages say - those not affected br by some academic status to uphold - br (that pause, that look, which indicates, br it's not as simple as all that...) - br that it's the oldest-fashioned thing, br to melt the heart... br br but today I'd say, well yes and no - br more like a key you turn and - whoosh! - br there cascades out, all that's in their heart, br all the vast all which they have to give; br and you stand aside, stunned and humble; br such a small key; such a vast world is there.