'Begin' - by Brendan Kennelly (S1E9) 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/

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My Poetry Readings with Declan Walsh

'Begin' - by Brendan Kennelly (S1E9)

February 27, 2021 • Season 1 • Episode 9

About the Poem

Communicated through the description of a morning walk across the Grand Canal in Dublin, the poem is a philosophical reflection on starting something new again.

It starts off as a celebration of a new day, full refreshing opportunity, and goes on to examining the harder things in life. It is filled with the sense of determination to be grateful for everyday experiences.

Even though the poem is full of hope, it acknowledges that promises and beginnings are “born in light”, only to die “in dark”.

The themes of loneliness and persevering in the face of adversity are both very much evident in this poem.

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About the Poet

Brendan Kennelly is one of Ireland’s most distinguished and best loved poets, as well as a renowned teacher and cultural commentator.

He was Professor of Modern Literature at Trinity College, in Dublin until 2005 and since his retirement he has been titled "Professor Emeritus" by the same university.

A prolific and fluent writer, he has more than fifty books of poetry to his credit, and his poetry, at times, can be quite down-to-earth and colloquial. He is popular and controversial, and sometimes quite irreverent and avoids intellectual pretension. His vision defies any attempt to impose strict categories on the world.

As a native Irish speaker , he has translated and published many Irish poems into English and in 2010 he was awarded the Irish PEN Award for his contribution to Irish Literature.

He now lives in Listowel, Co. Kerry.

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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
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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
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Other links

Brendan Kennelly - Begin - Listowel Writers Week 2017

In Conversation with Brendan Kennelly