South Longford poet's 'The Overlap of Things' presents a warm hearted reflection on life

Margaret Nohilly's 'The Overlap of Things' has just been published by Arlen House, and was launched by Alan Hayes, publisher, during the recent Strokestown International Poetry Festival.

“It covers relationships, an appreciation of nature, striking things that happen, and responses to art,” the poet says of some of the inspirations behind the poems in the collection.

Margaret's latest work has been in the pipeline for some time: “I have been writing since 1995. A writers group was set up in Lanesboro at that time. It triggered something in me. All my thoughts started to come as poetry.

“I was still working as a primary school teacher at the time and didn't spend a lot of time on it. When I retired I was able to spend more time on it. I had a collection published by Lapwing in 2009.

“I did workshops, I studied poetry journals. I gradually got recognition for my poems. Arlen House took me on in 2019. Then Covid came and we could not have a launch, so it was all put off until now,” the poet explained.

In the intervening period Margarett continued to work on her craft.

'The Overlap of Things' is the final product of years of work: “I have several folders, but it's a refinement process. I spend a lot of time on them. I am a perfectionist in what I want to achieve.”

The overarching theme of the book is simple: “It's a warm hearted reflection on life as I have found it.”

Margaret believes the art form has an enduring appeal, despite certain perceptions: “Many people have been put off by poetry through schooling. Feeling it was very abstruse, or difficult to relate to, but I think a good poem strikes the heart.”

The local launch of the poem takes place this week: “I have been resident in Lanesboro for more than 50 years, so it made sense to have launches and readings in both Lanesboro and Longford Libraries.”

The dates and times are: Lanesboro Library, Friday, May 26 at 7pm and Longford Library Saturday, May 27 at 11am.