New poem in anthology for Michael Hartnett

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Michael Hartnett, Poetry Anthology, Valerie Sirr

My poem ‘hartstown haiku’ is included in a new anthology of poems dedicated to Michael Hartnett: edited by James Lawlor and published by Revival Press in conjunction with Limerick Co Council. The anthology will be launched by Paula Meehan in Limerick this Saturday, 27th April, at the The Red Door, Newcastle West, during the festival Éigse Michael Hartnett.

I began writing poetry this year, though I’ve read and studied many poems over the years. I wrote ‘hartstown haiku’ after reading Hartnett’s ‘inchicore haiku’ published in 1985. It contains 87 haiku and senryu written according to the 5-7-5 format, the first collection of haiku and senryu by an Irish poet. Many English language haiku poets write free-form haiku. I wanted to celebrate Hartnett’s haiku and to try to echo his insights into contemporary Dublin working class life. I’m delighted and honoured to be included by James.

The anthology includes work by many contemporary poets and among the well-known poets featured are Seamus Heaney, Michael Longley, Eavan Boland, Theo Dorgan, Peter Fallon, Eiléan Ní Chuilleanáin, Pat Boran, Paula Meehan, and Paul Durcan. Not forgetting, John W Sexton, Eileen Casey, Eleanor Hooker, Nuala Ni Chonchuir and many others who I’m looking forward to discovering in the book.