Everyone is invited to a celebration of Mayo, when Castlebar native, Michael Murphy, launches his Collected Poems in the Mayo County Library on Thursday, November 7 from 7.30pm to 9.30pm.
The launch will be performed by Seán Lyons, of Listowel Writers’ Week and a native of Spencer Street in Castlebar. A poetry reading will be given by presenter Ciana Campbell, from Swinford and the author, to be followed by an audience Q&A and signing.
Michael Murphy's latest book is entitled The Ministry of Dreams, and it comprises over 80 poems that cast an understanding and forgiving eye on human nature. The poet writes about the powerful effect on him of his home county:
An example of Michael's poetry in the book is the poem "Home to Mayo", as follows:
“Though I left the county years ago for work around the world
I could never settle or commit to life elsewhere
Inside I always feel an outsider misplaced
In my mind I always live at home in Mayo…
Mostly I miss the warm embrace of the Mayo accent
That kiss on the lips blowing in off the Atlantic with the sea spray
Soft and fierce and salty easy.”
The question and answer session with the audience after the performance of these poems by two iconic voices holds out the promise of a very interesting discussion. Admission is free to the launch of The Ministry of Dreams – Collected Poems by broadcaster, psychoanalyst and author Michael Murphy in the Mayo County Library, John Moore Road, Castlebar, 7.30pm to 9.30 pm, on Thursday, November 7.
