The Strange Companion
That strange companion came on shuffling feet,
Passed me, then turned, and touched…
Harold Monro (1879–1932) was a British poet, best known for his role in promoting modernist poetry in the early 20th century. Born in Brussels, Belgium, Monro was educated at Radley College and Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge, where he developed a deep interest in literature. In 1911, he founded the Poetry Review and later launched the Poetry Bookshop in London, which became a hub for poets and literary enthusiasts.
Monro's contributions to the literary world extend beyond his own writing. He published works by many notable poets, including Robert Frost, Ezra Pound, and T.S. Eliot, often providing a platform for emerging voices. His Poetry Bookshop, opened in 1913, was both a retail space and a gathering place, fostering a sense of community among modernist poets and writers.
Monro's own poetry reflects his fascination with themes of nature, spirituality, and human emotion. Although he never achieved the same level of fame as some of his contemporaries, his commitment to the literary arts had a lasting impact. Monro passed away in 1932, leaving behind a legacy of support and encouragement for poets during a transformative period in literature. His efforts helped shape the direction of modernist poetry in England, making him a significant figure in the literary landscape of his time.