Happy Saint Patrick’s Day! I’m off to start my celebrations with a luncheon today. How about you? Celebrating? Today I share with you a stanza from a poem by Irish poet Marie Cadden. On my last trip to Ireland I bought a book of poetry titled Gynaecologist in the Jacuzzi (Salmon Press) from Charlie Byrne’s Book Shop in Galway. The title intrigued me, but when I got back home and read the book, the poems intrigued me too. Marie Cadden’s use of language, her wit, and the … [Read more...]
Sláinte
Happy Saint Patrick’s Day! I’ve spent the weekend celebrating. First on Friday I re-connected with a cousin. Since then my mind has been on the past, the uncles and aunts, grandparents, and parents now deceased. All weekend long the pull to look back has been strong, and I have indulged myself, remembering the funny stories and not so funny ones too. One of my uncles was particularly proud of our Irish heritage and he would drill me to remember my ancestry. “What are … [Read more...]
Happy Saint Patrick’s Day: Poetry Ireland, Tyrone Guthrie Centre, and Yeats
Today's focus is on the Irish, so I have listed some of my favorite literary Irish things. If you're looking for contemporary Irish poetry, there is no better journal than Poetry Ireland Review (published quarterly). A subscription also includes a bi-monthly news letter, Poetry Ireland News. Though the overseas subscription rate is rather steep, the journal never disappoints and includes reviews and essays on craft as well as contemporary Irish and international … [Read more...]
Early bloom
Usually these flowers do not bloom until May, but this year they are celebrating Saint Patrick's Day. Hope you are too. … [Read more...]