'Mirror in February' - by Thomas Kinsella (S1e6) Artwork

My Poetry Readings with Declan Walsh

My Poetry Readings is a podcast of poetry, from Ireland and elsewhere.Presented by Sligo based, Declan Walsh, (who is neither a poet or English literature scholar!) , it is a podcast of his journey to revisit the poems that may have shaped our lives and perhaps discovering new ones along the way.Each episode in this series includes an introduction to a popular poem, it’s this writer and the actual reading of the poem - leaving the interpretation of the poem to yourself.Check it out on https://mypoetryreadingswithdeclanwalsh.buzzsprout.com/

All Episodes

My Poetry Readings with Declan Walsh

'Mirror in February' - by Thomas Kinsella (S1e6)

February 06, 2021 • Season 1 • Episode 6

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&