Pir 91

[Stephen]

Beginning is always the problem so I’ll dive right in. I’d like to start with a few comments about the opening pages of PIR 91. There are some superb poems here, I’d like to draw special attention to Aileen Kelly’s two poems, Mark Granier’s poems, Afric Hamilton’s poem and Rodney Pybus’ poem. Those stood out most for me. I would have liked to have seen more space for new poetry, but hell, I’m not complaining as Peter signs out with his trademark translation piece; though this time a lot longer.

For me, it is a bold move to give up almost a third of a journal that is limited to about 120pages to translation. You can argue that Peter is on his way out, it’s his last issue, he has nothing to lose. I don’t agree. Translation, or a degree of translation in PI was also a staple of a Peter Sirr issue. And I think that this time, approving a translation section rather than snippets from one or two poets is a great success.

The translations in the Spanish section are top quality. My only complaint is that I would have loved to have read all the poems in bilingually but I understand that space takes priority. The feature by Miguel Casado offers a brief an interesting introduction about each of the six poets and their poetic stances.

[Stephen]

My favourite out of the six was Pablo García Baena. I think his poems were typically Andalusian. The existence of death and the affirmation of life are constant throughout. I’d like highlight Elegy to a Dead Friend as an example, and go further by suggesting that there are echoes of Federico García Lorca’s famous Lament for Ignacio Sánchez Mejías.

Antonio Gamoneda’s poetry is concerned with self, and the effects of the world in self. The ‘I’ is always present, and the poetry introspective. Clara Janés’ poetry kept slipping through my fingers. I couldn’t quite grasp it, but Sueño was a super poem.

Jorge Riechmann’s poem Pórtico: Otro Ritmo Posible was my favourite poem of the section.

I leave it here and wait and see what others though of PIR 91. My only quibble remains the lack of space given for new poems. The review section is 50 pages so maybe something could’ve been skimmed off that. Then again, the journal is called Poetry Ireland Review. I guess I’ll have to be content with not having everything. All in all great issue.

Admin, thanks for giving me the opportunity to read it.

[Barbara S]

I'm working my way through my 'borrowed' copy at present - will come back with more in depth views in a while. I do like all the reviews in it, so far. Actually bought The End of the Poem on the strength of this and someone else's recommendations.

Now that's my wee bit for today, back to work. Writing.

[Adj]

Loved the elegy to a dead friend. Working my way through the rest of it.

[Peter]

Glad you're enjoying it Adj - let us know what you think. Issue 92 was sent to the printers - should make it out to everyone just in time for Christmas. If you're looking for a stocking filler - why not click here? (Shameless plug)

-Admin.

[Stephen]

Yeah, it's a great poem Adj. Here's a link to the Lorca poem. Sorry, i don't know how good the translation is as I don't have the original here but it's usually a reliable site.

http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/lamen...-nchez-mej-as/

[Adj]

Cheers Stephen. The guy is incredible, to achieve all he did by the age of 38. I have an old copy of "A Poet in New York" lying around the house somewhere, I think I'll dig it out over Xmas and sit by the fire with it.

[Stephen]

Yeah, thats real genius for you! As a way of improving my Spanish, about this time last year I translated 'Poema Del Canto Jondo' (Poem of Deep song) into English. It was an interesting experience. I've wanted to have a go at 'Romancero Gitano' for some time now, just haven't had the time.

I don't know if you've read any of Lorca's plays, but for me they are better than his poetry (and his poetry is phenomenal)

[Alraune]

Stephen is quite talented at converting people to Lorca

[Stephen]

It's my life's calling...