I did some research to get ready for Bad Poetry Day, which is August 18, and apparently, a good contender for worst poet ever is Scotsman, William McGonagall. Around 1877, when he was about 50 years old (it’s hard to say for sure, because his exact birthdate is unknown), he believed God spoke to him and told him to write; and that’s what he did for the rest of his life, which amounted to about 25 more years. McGonagall seemed oblivious to all criticisms of his work and retained an amazing level of self-confidence in his abilities as a writer.