Former H-Block blanket-man, Malachy ‘Muffles’ Trainor, has recently published another book of his poetry. Under the title His collection of poetry, the Armagh City native has written 67 poems for this engaging work.
The quiet and unassuming poet was incarcerated in Long Kesh for seven difficult years from 1976 until1983. During that time he endured the hardships experienced by protesting Republican prisoners and was witness to the harrowing and tragic events surrounding the hunger strikes. While never stridently so and indeed almost to the point of being obscure at times, his poetry resonates with a strong message from his life experience.
Although Malachy was released four decades ago, prison and related aspects occur in several poems throughout this book. Among many references to that time in his life, the most poignant is perhaps found in, ‘On Bread Vanished’:
In all, Malachy refers specifically to prisons or prisoners in so many of his poems. Surprisingly though for someone who personally suffered the cruelties inflicted by a brutal jail regime, there is no evidence of anger much less hatred through his verses. There is instead a measure of sensitive reflection that is if anything, a more powerful commentary on that grim era.
It would, however, be a mistake to see the collection as focused on only one aspect of the poet’s life. In this fascinating publication, Malachy reflects across a number of topics ranging from global to local as he comments on nature itself and the nature of society.
In ‘Why so then’ we hear the voice of his native Country Armagh:
Elsewhere there is an understated yet sharp awareness of another aspect of his home county:
Overall this is a fine contribution to Irish literature complimented with an elegant and insightful introduction by Siobhan Hughes.
This is a collection that deserves a wide readership.
Malachy Trainor, 2023, His Collection Of Poetry. Self-Published. ISBN-13: 979-8394828775
Although Malachy was released four decades ago, prison and related aspects occur in several poems throughout this book. Among many references to that time in his life, the most poignant is perhaps found in, ‘On Bread Vanished’:
Oh watch the speeds eye
That hunger dwelling lit
Yes a smile, a comrade dies
I saw the green trees oh
In all, Malachy refers specifically to prisons or prisoners in so many of his poems. Surprisingly though for someone who personally suffered the cruelties inflicted by a brutal jail regime, there is no evidence of anger much less hatred through his verses. There is instead a measure of sensitive reflection that is if anything, a more powerful commentary on that grim era.
It would, however, be a mistake to see the collection as focused on only one aspect of the poet’s life. In this fascinating publication, Malachy reflects across a number of topics ranging from global to local as he comments on nature itself and the nature of society.
In ‘Why so then’ we hear the voice of his native Country Armagh:
September blue so yes fuse
Blissful days enter the fray
Favour hard drenched afar
Ripe apples, leaves, a fall
Planted settlers and flags
Stumble fall here the call
And privilege big bang
Horse and saddle so ride
Conquered yes and long ago
To think you might be wrong
Overall this is a fine contribution to Irish literature complimented with an elegant and insightful introduction by Siobhan Hughes.
This is a collection that deserves a wide readership.
Malachy Trainor, 2023, His Collection Of Poetry. Self-Published. ISBN-13: 979-8394828775
 |
Tommy McKearney is a left wing and trade union activist. He is author of The Provisional IRA: From Insurrection to Parliament. Follow on Twitter @Tommymckearney |
Good review Tommy. Ten years ago I reviewed a collection of Malachy's poems. He has been productive.
ReplyDelete