The Weather in Japan by Michael Longley

The Weather in Japan

Michael Longley

The short poems in this book have a melancholy beauty - the exquisite descriptions of Irish countryside are interspersed with tender meditations on the aftermath of war and memories of lost friends. You don't need to understand the references to classical literature to enjoy the book, although you might be intrigued.

Extract

Lichens inhale the Mayo weather and make the branches
Lacy on trees your mother grew from apple pips, Irish
Peach, russets and bramleys, blushes that seep through skins

from The Well at Tully

Parallels
  • The Florist's at Midnight by Sarah Maguire
  • War Music by Christopher Logue