The quiet moments, the gentle routines, the comforting presence of another – these are the threads that weave through the fabric of our lives, and often, the most poignant reminders of what we’ve lost. Irish poet and potter Louis Mulcahy explores these themes with raw honesty and delicate beauty in his latest collection, Lisbeth – New & Selected Poems, published by Concerto Books in 2024. The operate serves as a deeply personal tribute to his late wife, Lisbeth Mulcahy, a tapestry artist who passed away in March 2023.
Mulcahy, born in Wexford in 1941, is a multidisciplinary artist known for his pottery, singing, and poetry. He has published five collections of poetry, including works in both English, and Irish. This latest volume, however, carries a weight of experience and grief that resonates throughout its pages. The poems revisit past work, finding solace in memories of a life shared with Lisbeth, and revealing the profound impact of her absence. The collection is a testament to the enduring power of love and the complexities of navigating loss.
A Life Intertwined with Art and Community
Louis Mulcahy’s career has been marked by a dedication to the arts and a commitment to his community. He founded and directed An Fhéile Bheag Filíochta from 2007 to 2014, fostering a space for poetic expression. He has as well held leadership positions within the Crafts Council of Ireland and Samhlaíocht Chiarraí (Kerry Arts), demonstrating his advocacy for creative endeavors. In 2004, he received an Honorary Doctorate from the National University of Ireland (NUI) in recognition of his artistry and contributions to Irish society. Vibes & Scribes offers the book for purchase.
Lisbeth Mulcahy, though born in Denmark, fully embraced the culture and language of West Kerry. She was a passionate supporter of the arts, notably being the first to exhibit works from the Irish Museum of Modern Arts collection in Dingle. Her influence extended beyond the art world, deeply impacting the community she called home. The poems within the collection reveal the extent to which she permeated Mulcahy’s thoughts and experiences, a realization that surprised even the poet himself.
“I had no idea I was so fixated on her”
In an interview with The Kerryman, Mulcahy described the process of revisiting his past work as “sad, painful but consoling.” He added, “Consoling it may have been, but it did nothing to lighten the stone in my breast.” The poem ‘Quietude’ offers a glimpse into the simple intimacy shared between the couple: “Relaxed by the fire, herself and myself / reading and going at the pen, / the radio quietly leading its sound without tic or toc from the digital clock / its old measure still in our minds.” The Independent reports on Mulcahy’s reflections on his wife’s pervasive presence in his work.
The proceeds from the sale of Lisbeth – New and Selected Poems will be donated to cancer research at Cork University Hospital and the Palliative Care Unit at University Hospital Kerry, a testament to Mulcahy’s desire to transform personal grief into a force for good. The book was launched on May 4th, 2024, at An Diseart in Dingle, as part of Féil na Bealtine, with a reading by Mulcahy and musical accompaniment by a pianist. Concerto Books announced the launch event on Facebook.
Looking Ahead
Louis Mulcahy’s Lisbeth – New & Selected Poems is more than just a collection of poetry; it’s a poignant exploration of love, loss, and the enduring power of memory. It offers a glimpse into a life deeply rooted in art, community, and the quiet beauty of everyday moments. The book, priced at €15, stands as a lasting tribute to Lisbeth Mulcahy and a testament to the healing power of creative expression. The impact of this collection will likely extend beyond the literary world, offering solace and connection to those who have experienced similar losses.
What are your thoughts on the intersection of art and grief? Share your reflections in the comments below, and please share this article with others who might identify resonance in Mulcahy’s work.
