A good night at the Ó Bhéal reading in Cork on Monday night. A great audience who took part in the five word challenge at the start and the open mic at the end and listened to my poems in between. Half an hour gave me a chance to read quite a number of the contenders for the shortlist for the Poetry Ireland Introductions tomorrow evening. Ten minutes so seven poems will just fit in with short introductions.
I have felt a bit like Alex Ferguson must feel having to select a line up for a match - so much good material available! My Manchester United poem went down well in Cork but is not being included, a bit too long.
One older poem I included at the last minute in Cork got a couple of nice remarks so it has pushed itself into the final line up. Others failed to live up to earlier promise and have been dropped. The reading list is ready and at the final rehearsal came in at 9 minutes 55 seconds. Perfect!
Ainín, Kimberly, Donna and myself are on tomorrow evening, Thursday 12 May, 6.30pm in the Irish Writers' Centre, Parnell Square. The other four on Wednesday of the following week.
Now to decide what to wear!
Best of luck tomorrow Michael.
ReplyDeleteThanks, all of you. Yes Padhraig it made the cut.
ReplyDeleteThe very best of luck with your reading tomorrow, Michael. I'll be thinking of you.
ReplyDeleteAnd, again, congratulations on being selected for this honour. Relish your moment in the sun--you've earned it.
My Introductions reading last May was one of the highlights of the year for me. That nod from Poetry Ireland makes all the difference... Of course, finally meeting Pete Goulding and your good self, after reading your blogs for months, wasn't too shabby either.
Looking forward to seeing and hearing you on You Tube in the coming weeks.
Thanks Connie, all set, final selection made.
ReplyDeleteThat's very exciting and impressive, Michael. I hope it goes well for you, congratulations!
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