David Delaney is set to launch his first book of poetry, ‘Reaching Eden’ on Friday, on December 1 in the Dunamaise Arts Centre at 6.30pm.
Originally from Athy and now residing in Killenard, David has created the book through his love for poetry which he has been writing since the age of 12.
David says that the cycle of life is one of the main inspirations behind this collection of poetry.
He explained: “I’ve been writing since I was 12 and I’ve always been fascinated by cycles – the cycles of nature and life and how they’re intertwined.
“The book is a collection of cycles happening and how they intertwine.
“Cycles can go in one of two ways. For example, do we die and go into life or do we go into life and then die?”
The book is designed to keep the reader thinking and to find something new in every poem each time they read it and to gain their own understanding of the world they are surrounded by.
David said: “It deals a lot with mortality; the idea that we grow up in a bubble of protections. It reflects on the changes over time.
“The poems give the reader their own interpretations and perspective on certain things.
“Naturally the mind is curious. The book reminds us not to be afraid to ask questions.”
The book is a collection of 2,500 pieces of David’s work and covers a multitude of topics from childhood and loss to nostalgic evening in the library.
“Four or five poems are about people who have passed away. It’s therapeutic tow write about it,” he said.
‘Churchtown’ and ‘Mrs Caffrey’ are two of David’s favourite from the collection; ‘Churchtown’ dealing with the death of two friends and ‘Mrs Caffrey’ inviting nostalgia to the fore reminiscing on memories of David’s childhood.
Although this is his first book to work on alone, David has worked closely with friend Jayne Louise Kelly on poetry works such as their displays of ‘Life Map’ and ‘In: Mortality’, which was displayed at Electric Picnic.
Muireann Ní Chonaill will be launching the book on the night.
‘Reaching Eden’ can be purchased online at www.reachingeden.ie and in Easons after the launch.
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