Published Poem

The Mayo News very kindly published my poem, 'The New Michael Davitt bridge, Achill Sound', (see post below), in this week's current edition. As he worked long and hard on behalf of the people of Achill to secure a much needed, and already much liked and appreciated, new bridge, I dedicated the poem to Councillor Micheál McNamara . We are very fortunate.

My forthcoming book of poetry will be launched this Summer at The Cyril Gray Memorial Hall, Doogort, Achill Island, by the Heinrich Boll Committee. The new bridge poem will feature along with other poems relating to Achill island. It will be titled 'The Ordinary Miracle'.

New Poetry

At present, I am happy to say, I am writing poetry prolifically. In my experience it happens that sometimes I don't write poetry for a while, nothing flows easily. This is fine. I know the process now. Once I worried a poem would never come again. Then, for no apparent reason, it will begin, and there will be a deluge for a while, perhaps a few weeks, at the end of which I may have written 50 poems in draft form. Of course they will need a few more drafts over months before they are finished. I understand I am quite lucky. Poets vary in their output. Some write more. Some write less. It isn't a measure of quality. It's just an individual process. I have tried to be as honest as I can in describing how it works for me. Here is quite a recent one that came easily and has needed very little re-drafting, that I am happy enough to show. It will be included in my new book.

I am continuing to edit my poetry book which will be published later this year. In addition I am busy editing two more collections - a manuscript of dark poems. And another of selected early poems.

The New Michael Davitt Bridge, Achill Sound

For Cllr. Michéal McNamara

Each time it is a surprise, its firm white curves

hooping over the waves in a steely sculpture;

a present for the eyes; a legacy for the island;

a plaything for the seagulls. A vision of loveliness,

a gleaming gift under summer skies; each trip

we are Jonah swallowed alive until, having passed

through the whale’s ribcage, we are released

on the other side into all that island glitter.

My first crossing, in the slack tide I spied

a silvered seal look up querulous, and rise

from its ripple-slick to catch a better glimpse,

flippers folded in proffered prayer - a benediction.

Then it sank slowly into its own reflection

and disappeared; like magic.

© Mark F Chaddock 2009

This evening photo of Clare island from Corraun was taken in Autumn a couple of years ago. It is one of my seascape images I feel pleased with. It was a quite straightforward image, all I had to do was compose and shoot really. I like its simplicity and calm.

Rites of Spring

I saw them in March

above the nest

dipping and swooping

up and down

up and down

for hours on end

he and his lady friend

their celebration infectious.

It was then I realised

in those few minutes knew

as much as me

as much as you

a humble crow could feel love too.

Abstract