At Home in Ireland - A Review

 

At Home in Ireland: New and Selected Poems. Broomfield, Arthur. Limerick, Ireland: Revival Press, 2023. First Edition. Genre: Poetry. 60pp. ISBN: 978-1-7393705-9-6. (Paperback).

Reviewed by Ben Douglass. 

Indie writer, reviewer, critic, poet, essayist.

At Home in Ireland by Arthur Broomfield offers readers a profound exploration of Irish culture, heritage, and identity. Broomfield, an esteemed author with a deep connection to Ireland, invites us to embark on a journey through the soul of his nation. The book delves into the richness of Ireland's landscapes, from the rugged coastlines to the serene countryside, capturing the essence of what it means to be truly at home in this emerald isle. Broomfield's narrative weaves together historical anecdotes, personal reflections, and cultural insights, providing a tapestry of experiences that celebrate Ireland's unique character.

Readers will discover the significance of traditional Irish music, folklore, and the enduring spirit of the Irish people. Broomfield's evocative prose paints a vivid picture of the festivals, customs, and everyday life that defines Ireland. His keen observations and heartfelt stories resonate with anyone who holds a love for this magical land.

Throughout this thin book of poems, Broomfield emphasizes the importance of preserving Itish heritage while embracing modernity. He explores how the past and present coexist harmoniously, creating a dynamic and evolving sense of home. Each poem invites readers to connect with Ireland on a deeper level, fostering a sense of belonging and appreciation for its timeless beauty.

Whether you are of Irish descent or simply captivated by the allure of Ireland, Arthur Broomfield's collection of poems is a compelling read that will leave you with a greater understanding and affection for this remarkable country.

From the Introduction by Dr. Clare Bolger, Lecturer SETU: "If there is a recurring theme to Broomfield's poetry it is in his resistance to ideology in any manifestation that threatens the freedoms he insists are his rights, starkly evident in the moving response - 'We Too Have our Martyrs' - to the Paris Massacres of 2015: Our menus and match programmes/ are as sacred to us/ as your scripture are to you./ Though we do not feel the need to sing it/ from the rooftops/ we too, the people, are believers.

This review will specifically focus on one of Broomfield's poems - "Snow Drop."

SNOW DROP

The poem SNOW DROP is a poignant exploration of vulnerability, renewal, and the delicate interplay of nature and human emotion. Its dedication, "For Assumpta", suggests a deeply personal address, adding layers of intimacy and connection to the verses. Through its vivid imagery and subtle emotional undertones, the poem invites readers into a world where natural elements become symbolic of human experiences.

At the core of this poem, theme and subject matter captures the cyclical nature of despair and hope. The poet presents a stark contrast between the "last descent into alcohol," symbolizing a nadir of human struggle, and the act of bringing snowdrops, a gesture of purity and renewal. The snowdrops serve as both a literal and metaphorical offering, representing a fragile yet profound attempt at redemption or reconciliation amidst bleak circumstances. The juxtaposition of seasons - summer's vibrant arum lilies and gladioli against the "bleak days" - highlights the duality of life's beauty and hardship. The poem, though brief, resonates with themes of atonement, renewal, and the fleeting yet enduring nature of connections.

The poet employs rich, textured sensory imagery to evoke a vivid sense of place and emotion. The "step stones" and "beds where in summer arum lilies and gladioli disguise the dun earth" create a tangible setting, grounding the reader in a space simultaneously shaped by human design and natural cycles. The earth, "dun" and bare during bleak days, serves as a metaphor for despair, temporarily hidden by summer's flourish. Snowdrops, central to the poem's title and imagery, are emblematic of hope and resilience. Often the first flowers to bloom after winter, they symbolize the quiet persistence of life and beauty even in the harshest conditions. Their dewy freshness reinforces this sense of renewal, as though they carry the promise of a new beginning.

The poems free verse structure mirrors the natural flow of thoughts and emotions, lending it an introspective and conversational tone. There's a measured rhythm in the poet's shifting focus - from personal despair to the physical act of delivering snowdrops - that underscore a journey of reflection and action. The tone is both melancholic and tender, tinged with the solemnity of the speaker's struggles yet uplifted by the redemptive gesture at the poem's end.

The language in "Snow Drop" is understated yet deeply evocative. The deliberate choice of words like "shuffle", "disguise", and "bleak" conveys the weariness of the speaker and the starkness of their reality. Conversely, phrases like "moist with dew" carry a gentle, almost reverent quality, emphasizing the life-affirming nature of the snowdrops. The use of enjambment allows the poem to flow seamlessly, mirroring the continuity of thought and the inevitable passage of time. The lack of punctuation enhances the organic, stream-like quality of the speaker's voice, drawing readers into their introspection.

In conclusion, "Snow Drop" is a beautifully crafted poem that delicately balances despair and hope. Its strength lies in its simplicity and the universality of its themes, which allow readers to find personal resonance within its lines. The imagery is both vivid and symbolic, drawing connections between the natural world and the human spirit. The poem's emotional impact is heightened by its brevity, leaving a lingering impression of quiet resolve and renewal. The act of leaving snowdrops on the doorstep is both humble and profound, encapsulating the poet's journey from inner turmoil to outward expression of care and hope. "Snow Drop" is a testament to the power of nature as a vessel for human emotion and transformation.

Please stay tuned for a review of another of this author's work: "Rising Dust: A collection of Short Stories."