About the Poem
This short poem, 'Mirror In February', which was included for study on the former Leaving Certificate English syllabus, is familiar to generations of Irish schoolgoers.
It first appeared in the 1963 collection Downstream, is in many ways typical of Kinsella’s poetry in general.
The poem, set in February as the natural world begins to slowly wake and renew itself, presents the speaker as a humble and solitary figure suddenly overwhelmed and reflecting on the significance of the passing of his own advancing years.
Near the end of 'Mirror In February', Kinsella does ask and enquire of us an interpretation, that of course, I will always leave open to yourself.
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About the Poet
Thomas Kinsella is an Irish poet and was born in Inchicore in Dublin in 1928.
He belongs to a generation of writers whose main concern as a poet was not to limit themselves to Irish topics but to explore a wider range of ideas and themes.
In 1965, he become writer in residence at Southern Illinois University, in 1970 he became a professor of English at Temple University in Philadelphia and was awarded the Guggenheim Fellowship for Creative Arts on two occasions in 1968 & 1971
In 1972, he started Peppercanister Press to publish his own work.
He received the Honorary Freedom of the City of Dublin in May 2007 and most recently, in December 2018, received and honory Doctorate of Letters from Trinity College of Dublin, having also taught the Irish Tradition Programme at the same university.
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How to Listen and follow
You can listen to the podcast , My Poetry Readings, on iTunes, Spotify and Google Podcasts by clicking on any of the links above or on the podcast website
You can also subscribe and follow the podcast on social media by clicking on the links either on the top banner or the links below:-
Facebook - @mypoetryreadings
Instagram - @mypoetryreadings
Twitter:- @mypoetryreadin1
Youtube:- My Poetry Readings with Declan Walsh
___________________________________
Now for the promotion bit!
I hope you enjoy and looking forward to hearing any comments or suggestions that you may have .
If you have enjoyed , please spread the word , like , share (etc!) -by clicking the 'Share Episode' link above.
If you can, please leave a review and star rating on Apple Podcasts. This will help others to also enjoy the podcast.
Thanks for listening - Till next time..
Slán go fóill
Declan
______________________________________________
Favorite Musical Versions (YouTube Links)
Thomas Kinsella - Gate Theatre
Thomas Kinsella - Lifetime Achievement Award
___________________________________
Tags
#february #spring #mirrorinfebruary #poetry #Dublin&
About the Poem
This short poem, 'Mirror In February', which was included for study on the former Leaving Certificate English syllabus, is familiar to generations of Irish schoolgoers.
It first appeared in the 1963 collection Downstream, is in many ways typical of Kinsella’s poetry in general.
The poem, set in February as the natural world begins to slowly wake and renew itself, presents the speaker as a humble and solitary figure suddenly overwhelmed and reflecting on the significance of the passing of his own advancing years.
Near the end of 'Mirror In February', Kinsella does ask and enquire of us an interpretation, that of course, I will always leave open to yourself.
____________________________________
About the Poet
Thomas Kinsella is an Irish poet and was born in Inchicore in Dublin in 1928.
He belongs to a generation of writers whose main concern as a poet was not to limit themselves to Irish topics but to explore a wider range of ideas and themes.
In 1965, he become writer in residence at Southern Illinois University, in 1970 he became a professor of English at Temple University in Philadelphia and was awarded the Guggenheim Fellowship for Creative Arts on two occasions in 1968 & 1971
In 1972, he started Peppercanister Press to publish his own work.
He received the Honorary Freedom of the City of Dublin in May 2007 and most recently, in December 2018, received and honory Doctorate of Letters from Trinity College of Dublin, having also taught the Irish Tradition Programme at the same university.
___________________________________
How to Listen and follow
You can listen to the podcast , My Poetry Readings, on iTunes, Spotify and Google Podcasts by clicking on any of the links above or on the podcast website
You can also subscribe and follow the podcast on social media by clicking on the links either on the top banner or the links below:-
Facebook - @mypoetryreadings
Instagram - @mypoetryreadings
Twitter:- @mypoetryreadin1
Youtube:- My Poetry Readings with Declan Walsh
___________________________________
Now for the promotion bit!
I hope you enjoy and looking forward to hearing any comments or suggestions that you may have .
If you have enjoyed , please spread the word , like , share (etc!) -by clicking the 'Share Episode' link above.
If you can, please leave a review and star rating on Apple Podcasts. This will help others to also enjoy the podcast.
Thanks for listening - Till next time..
Slán go fóill
Declan
______________________________________________
Favorite Musical Versions (YouTube Links)
Thomas Kinsella - Gate Theatre
Thomas Kinsella - Lifetime Achievement Award
___________________________________
Tags
#february #spring #mirrorinfebruary #poetry #Dublin&