Poetry Reading in Conjunction with Poetry Ireland, and Hosted by Kanturk Library
Reading by Iggy McGovern and Students Suzie O’Riordan and Luke O’Riordan.
Some poems from the students’ poetry workshops also included below (Kanturk Arts Festival wishes to acknowledge the contribution of Vincent McDonnell to the poetry workshops)
Iggy McGovern reading |
Suzie O’Riordan reading her winning poem – ‘Joy’ – from the Schools’ Poetry Competition (with Margaret Cotter, Kanturk Arts Festival) ‘JOY’, by Suzie O’ Riordan – Overall Winner If I could hold her now, I would, |
Vincent McDonnell (Kanturk Arts Festival Writer in Residence), Luke O’Riodran (Third Place, Schools’ Poetry Competition), Margaret Cotter (Kanturk Arts Festival), Suzie O’Riordan (Winner, Schools’ Poetry Competition), Iggy McGovern (Reader) |
| ‘RAY OF SUNSHINE’, by Jessica Lynes – Second Place Winner Walking in the steps of a ray of sunshine Guiding me through the dark nights And brightening up my rainy days. Walking in the steps of a ray of sunshine Making me see things differently And understand the meanings. Always looking up to her No matter how tall I’ll grow, My ray of sunshine. …………………..’WINTER MORNING’, by Jessica Lynes The world is silent this morning The fiery sun rises to light the white woods And banish the harsh darkness With the light it has stored through the night before. The air bites my rosy cheeks When I go out to do my daily tasks Of loving and taking care of my fellow companions. A friendly whinny greets me, Followed by an exciting lick, As I open the doors to freedom Until dusk comes again. |
| ‘THE FROST’, by Luke O’Riordan – Third Place WinnerIt is silent this cold morning. As I wake from my slumber And open my curtains, I think what a wonderful day to be alive. I slowly open my window and reach out And capture a piece of the world in my palm. I can hear my mother calling ………………….. ‘THE ILLNESS’. by Luke O’Riordan It was early August 2008 When my mother caught that chilling illness And I found myself all alone. People gave me their sympathy, Which I always refused. Now, when I remember those days, I think what a fool I was To think myself all alone. Today things are better The illness is all gone. Now everything is positive Because I have realised That if you make it, Through the dark night There is a brighter day. None of us is all alone. ………………………….. ‘HIDEAWAY’, by Luke O’Riordan There is a special place just for me This place provides comfort, The place I will always love is my home |
| ‘A STREAM OF INSPIRATION’, by Mary McCarthy My mother’s homeland lies beyond the hills. It is a Kerry farm with a stream at one end, Far away from roads, far away from towns, Far away from life and all of its sounds. Generations have walked through the fields Down to that stream and told it their fears. A line of forestry is all you see When you go down to that miniature sea. Or at least that’s what it seemed like When I first saw the stream As the five year old daughter Of a previous walker; A quiet, young tributary, Before it reaches the river And loses its secret beauty. But the most wondrous sight, Is when cattle come to drink, And a newborn baby calf Is rescued before he drowns. |
| ‘SANCTUARY’ by Siobhan GilliesI’m under the bed, Lying on a spiky, scarily blue carpet Where the spiders have made their home. I know that sounds quite odd But that’s what I call home. No small pet rabbits Eating my homework, Or wanting more carrots, Or dogs howling, Or babies crying, Or parents sighing. But there’s one small problem. I hate spiders……………………………………………………………….. ‘MY TWIN SISTER’, by Siobhan Gillies I admire my twin sister |
| ‘ANOTHER DAY’, by Jordan O’CallaghanAs the light breaks through my curtains Like the sun peeping between two hills, And pierces the darkness of my room I can see more clearly My wooden chests and drawers. And tiny specks of dust begin to rise Like balloons rising up into the sky. My alarm clock begins to near nine And I make the most Of my last few moments of peaceful rest. I am about to embark on another day. |
| ‘PEOPLE I ADMIRE’, by Amy O’CallaghanI don’t admire just one person. Many people inspire me, From singers and various celebrities To my close friends and family.I admire those who look different, Who strive to make a scene, With bright outfits and big hairstyles; They don’t care what people think. My friends and family inspire me too The people who make something of themselves I admire a lot of people |
| ME AND MY MUSIC’ by Aisling KenneallyDarkness closes over. My body begins to calm. Relaxation flows through me. I have happiness in my hands.The world outside is muffled Now it is just me. A click I am spoiled for choice. I feel as though I’m floating |
| ‘BACK THE FARM’, by Clare MurphyMy place is a place Where I like to be; It’s where I go If I want to be alone. Rustling leaves, The wind on my skin, Me and my dog Running through the trees Back the farm Up the passage; That’s the place where I like to be. |
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