What made you submit your work for consideration for the Seamus Heaney Award for New Writing?
I have been submitting to the Seamus Heaney award for New Writing for this past nine years. To be linked in any way to the name of Seamus Heaney is I think, immensely prestigious. Each year the CAP Journal always provides a wealth of writing of the highest order and quality. To have a poem included in the journal is a distinct honour.
What theme did you look at in the poem you submitted?
This year’s theme was Endure. I was thinking of such concepts as longevity, resilience, fortitude, permanence. My childhood experience of growing up on a small farm in the Mourne Mountains was not unlike that of Seamus Heaney. I had always been mesmerized by the working water wheel on the farm, from which we derived our electricity. I had a rough version of the poem for many years but this year’s theme was a strong incentive to hone and finalize the piece into something worthwhile.
How long did the crafting of the poem take?
I doubt If I spent more than a couple of hours on the final crafting of the poem. I did return periodically to the last line, the ending. There were several potential endings at one point!
I also dropped in a few descriptive phrases after watching a television documentary about the life of Dylan Thomas.’ Eel thick and trout trailed’ were definitely inspired by that programme!
How did you feel when you found out you were included on the Long List for the award?
I was thrilled to be included in the Long List , but also slightly apprehensive ! It is an honour, without doubt
How was your experience regarding the event which launched the anthology, presented the long listed poets and announced the winner of the award?
The Launch Event is always slightly nerve wracking and intimidating in an unusual sense. Nevertheless it is an inspiring event and is always handled by Conor Shields with decorum and ease. It is uplifting to hear each of the poets read from , and be interviewed about their work.
Where to now regarding your poetic writing?
I suppose I just keep on trying. At this point in time I doubt if I can write a better poem than this year’s entry. I suppose I will just have to dig deeper over this coming Winter ! If I have a poem accepted in next year’s journal then I will have had a piece accepted each year over ten consecutive years. I would be more than happy with that!
You can find more of Robin Holmes at the following link
