A eulogy for Lee Harwood

Kelvin Corcoran's new collection demonstrates an intimate oneness with Greek geology and scenery. It also ranges through many familiar tales from Greek myth and literature. Some poems relate to Greece's current problems but there are also more tender poems of memory and love.

  One poem that particularly stood out was written as an elegy and tribute to the poet Lee Harwood, a friend of Kelvin's. The writing drew once more on vivid imagery of ocean landscapes and scenery from Kelvin's own journeys - the poem hummed with life. It was a eulogy of sorts, and we were all lucky to hear the poet read it. 


Atlas

Greek myths and local tales

Last Wednesday, I had the pleasure of entering my usual Friday morning lecture hall, to listen to Kelvin Corcoran read from his new book of poems Facing West. 

His fascination with Greek mythology infused his poems, which moved between past and present in a way which  captivated his audience.

Through visiting Greece regularly, Kelvin Corcoran has created an intimate bond with the country. This was reflected in the way he spoke about his conversations with locals, stating that Greek mythology is simply "a series of local tales with no final version - a rare experience for a western man." 


Kaitlan Baker-Smith