It’s a shame that I discover some poets only when their obituary is published. One such poet who is widely known and loved in these parts is Brendan Kennelly. His poetry might be described as dark, but that is way too simplistic. Here is an example of one of his lighter poems:
I See You Dancing, Father
No sooner downstairs after the night’s rest
And in the door
Than you started to dance a step
In the middle of the kitchen floor.
And as you danced
You whistled.
You made your own music
Always in tune with yourself.
Well, nearly always, anyway.
You’re buried now
In Lislaughtin Abbey
And whenever I think of you
I go back beyond the old man
Mind and body broken
To find the unbroken man.
It is the moment before the dance begins,
Your lips are enjoying themselves
Whistling an air.
Whatever happens or cannot happen
In the time I have to spare
I see you dancing father.
Brendan Kennely has a rich smooth voice and you can hear him read his poems here
odespinner 