I’ve always loved his sprung verse, its sounds and rhythms simultaneously reminds me of Old Anglo-Saxon poetry, Yoruba poetry, and rap. As incredible as it may seem, the sad English monk may have foreshadowed some of hip-hop and spoken word’s poetic styles. But don’t take my word for it, listen to Eminem of Pharoahe Monch after reading some Hopkins and tell me what you think.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WOiblWJH8C0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=McN_3B1qkbs