From Russell: "Hey,
Empire speech in total.
Poets in order of use, Bragg,Lennon,Costello,Kavanagh,Kipling,Gibb.
Love,
RC." --

Good evening, Words....

I'm celebrating my love for you,
with a pint of beer and a new tattoo.

Imagine there's no heaven.

I don't know if you are lovin' some body,
I only know it isn't mine.

To be a poet,
and not know the trade,
to be a lover and repel all women,
twin ironies by which great saints are made.
The agonizing pincer jaws of heaven.

 
If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,
Or walk with kings--nor lose the common touch,
If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you;
If all men count with you, but none too much,
If you can fill the unforgiving minute
With sixty seconds' worth of distance run,
Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it,
And--which is more--you'll be a Man, my son!

It's only words and words are all I have, to take your breath away

Thank you for this honour, thank you for this opportunity to read poetry at a British award ceremony, it's one of my favourite things to do
Goodnight

At the awards from the Empire site - Thanks, Ivani

Ed Note: I was able to listen to Russell speaking his "words" at the Empire Awards ceremony. He recited from some of his favorite poets/songwriters with dignity, fervor and grace - showing us all his love for the wonder of words.