The Centre of Always

When my daughter telephoned, I told her I was writing a few words about a collection of poems, she asked “What are they like?” before ending the call but was instantly back to insist I begin with my five word answer to her; I have. “Ah, they’re just lovely poems!” These poems of generosity and perceptiveness. His first lines are diamond. They stir our bodies, disturb our minds, open imagination, tease and taste ambiguities. Each poem in this rewarding second collection from Daragh Bradish is ‘an unmarked door’ to venture through for public and private conversation and relationship. They draw the reader into the poet’s delicate web of people, boundaries, caverns, seas and skies. There is gentleness here, and power; but always ‘seeing’. These elegant poems are foundation blocks for a poet’s vision. – Seamus Cashman