A Midland Town

John Minihan is one of Ireland's finest photographers. I've written a series of poems based on his images from his book " Shadows From The Pale ". You will find no truer photographic representations of Irish life, 60's - 80's than these. I thought I had the poems ready to publish 2 years ago. Now, 2 years on, I see they're not there yet.
Anyway if you can get a hold of this collection, do and while you're at it also buy Samuel Beckett - Centenary Shadows. If you've loved a Beckett photograph, it was probably one of John's.
Here's one of the poems, already published in The SHOp:

Mrs Clancy - pulling a pint,
asking John Quinn about Kate Nealon’s
accident the other evening outside Lawlors -
when Tadhg Foley comes in,
says “How’s Tadhg. A pint Tadhg ?”
“Hello Mrs Clancy”

“ Here y’are John.” She takes the silver.
“She had to leave the bike in Mulhalls,”
“William Featherstone’s gone over, Missus.”
“Not the first time, Tadhg” she says.
“No, nor the last either” says Tadhg
with a bit of a chuckle.

“Mike Deegan has the rest of it in anyway”
says John. “And how’s Breege ?” she asks;
“A lot better than yesterday, but she’ll hardly be right.”
“I suppose not.” says Mrs Clancy
climbing up on her stool at the end of the bar,
“I suppose Maeve will have to do.”

“Wasn’t Maggie Deegan related to the Nealon’s”
quizs Tadhg. “ She was, and Brennans in Clooncraff.”
Terry Watchorne comes in. “How’s Terry.
A pint Terry ?” Climbing off the stool,
over to the tap, lifting her arm, she says
“Wasn’t that awful about Kate Nealon.”