In Nick Hornby's book "The Polysyllabic Spree," he likens contemporary poetry to Reykjavik, embodying the ongoing struggle between accessibility and intelligence in this literary form. For the past fifty years, this "Cold War" has influenced how poetry is created and appreciated, highlighting the tension between making poetry available and maintaining its intellectual rigor.

This metaphor suggests that just as Reykjavik is a unique, isolated destination, contemporary poetry exists in a space that blends complex ideas with the need for wider understanding. Hornby's insight reflects the challenges poets face in connecting with diverse audiences while still engaging with sophisticated themes and concepts.