'True' on National Poetry Day

My first collection of poetry was launched in a snowstorm. The second was during the Covid lockdown. And the tail-end of a hurricane blew in last night for the launch of my new collection, ‘True’.

But the poetry lovers of Northern Ireland are a hardy bunch and we had a full house for the National Poetry Day reading. There were representatives from the City Chapter and the John Hewitt Society. Also in attendance was the Dean of Armagh, the Keeper of the Robinson Library, who lives upstairs. So a heartfelt 'thank you' to everyone who braved the wind and rain in support of live poetry.

The library, founded in 1771, is a truly magnificent space. The walls are lined with ancient books and mahogany display cases hold particular treasures, such as Jonathan Swift’s own copy of ‘Gulliver’s Travels’. The room is adorned with the busts of benefactors and has marvellous acoustics – it’s a lovely place for a reading and feels very intimate. Wendy Sinnamon read her intriguing poems and I followed with a selection of mine from ‘True’. The audience were most appreciative and congratulated us on our performances. There was plenty of chat afterwards and book sales were brisk.  

I still have some launch copies of ‘True’ available at the special price of £10 – that’s 20% off the normal RRP.

 If anyone would like a copy, please email me – poetrypaul@gmail.com

 I’d be delighted to sign the book for you.