Apparition

Alcedo atthis
 
A different kind of grotto 
where a supplicant willow 
strokes the canal’s still waters. 
There. The shimmer of an answer 
as the bird alights: mantle 
of heaven; breast of earth; spear 
of bill; throat of white. 
 
It perches like a bunsen-flame,
drawing canal bank pilgrims 
who linger to whisper 
praise. They gasp 
when the fisher of minnows 
plunges – a blue dart 
that knifes the gaze. 
Page 85, Poetry Ireland Review Issue 120
Issue 120

Poetry Ireland Review Issue 120:

Edited by Vona Groarke

Vona Groarke's final issue as editor is packed with new poems from leading contemporary poets, including Simon Armitage, Sinéad Morrissey, Colette Bryce, Paul Muldoon, Sean O'Brien and Caitríona O'Reilly. Books reviewed include new work from Derek Mahon, Bernard O'Donoghue, Rita Ann Higgins, Martina Evans, Denise Riley and the 2016 Forward Prize winner Vahni Capildeo. The centrepiece of the issue is an interview with Paul Muldoon in which the Armagh maestro shares his thoughts on subjects as diverse as public surveillance, the economic down-turn, and the exclamation mark. The cover image is by photographer Justyna Kielbowicz, and the issue also contains award-winning artwork from Sven Sandberg, Aoife Dunne, Jane Rainey, and Michelle Hall. Instead of an editorial, Vona herself answers the questionnaire she put to the contributors of Poetry Ireland Review Issue 118: The Rising Generation.