Poems of Love and Ageing
Belfast poet Michael Longley talks with Olivia O'Leary about his love poems and looks back on 60 years of poetry.
Michael Longley is Northern Ireland's most eminent contemporary poet, described by Seamus Heaney as 'a keeper of the artistic estate, a custodian of griefs and wonders.' He has devoted a lifetime to the art of poetry and has won numerous poetry prizes.
In recent years, Michael has been writing more than ever. He is recognised as a very fine love poet and in this episode he reads poems that address the gift of a decades-long love and marriage and the inevitability of ageing. After a lifetime dedicated to poetry, he says, 'I can't imagine that I would be alive now if I hadn't had poetry propelling me forward.'
He reads his poems The Pattern, The Linen Industry and Age from his collection Ash Keys: New Selected Poems (Cape Poetry), published to mark his 85th birthday on 27th July 2024, and Foam from his collection The Slain Birds.
Presenter: Olivia O'Leary
Producer: Claire Cunningham
Executive Producer: Regan Hutchins
Michael Longley's Life of Poetry is a Rockfinch production for 麻豆社 Radio 3.
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- Fri 12 Jul 2024 21:45麻豆社 Radio 3
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