"A Luxury We Cannot Afford" could be a good read for someone interested in delving into the rich cultural and poetic history of Singapore. This collection of 65 poems, written by 56 of Singapore's finest poets, offers a thought-provoking exploration of the myth that has shaped the nation over the past 50 years. The book promises to excite and exhilarate readers, providing a unique perspective on Singapore's journey towards wealth and prosperity.

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Singapore is a country of many invented, transplanted, or self-made myths and fables, but one looms above them all. 1969 marks the famous declaration of the myth: "Poetry is a luxury we cannot afford."As our island nation approaches its 50th anniversary wielding extraordinary wealth and prosperity, it is timely to review the narrative that has shepherded us through the past half-century. Indeed, it seems only poetic justice to examine this polarising mythos through the ballyhooed medium of poetry. To praise and appraise this most poetic of figures, 56 of Singapore's finest poets offer up 65 poems that promise to excite, exhilarate, and electrify, to a man.

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