In Pictures: 'Hardwired for beauty and meaning' poignant poetry launch in Portlaoise

A large crowd filled the Parish Centre, Portlaoise, in recent days to honour the memory and creativity of the late David Duncan at the launch of his book of poetry entitled ‘The Smoke After the Palest depression’.

After many local people mingled and enjoyed refreshments on Wednesday, October 14, David’s mother Ann, began the proceedings by welcoming those present, especially Portlaoise PP, Msgnr John Byrne and Elizabeth Fox from Pieta House, which will benefit from the proceeds of sales.

Ann spoke about how Pieta had helped her in the early days after David’s death. She was offered ten free counselling sessions by phone, in person at home or at any other venue of choice. Ms Duncan said this support is available to anyone who needs it.

Ann spoke about her son David and how his love of poetry helped him navigate the choppy waters of mental illness. She said that at the time of his death he had written 63 poems for a book. She said her late son and his brother Gary had already designed the cover, given it a title and placed all the poems in the order he wanted.

The gathering was also told how David performed with the Tullamore Rhymers over the years. The informal Club is made up of writers who compose rhyming and non-rhyming poetry. It is named in honour of the original London-based Rhymers Club started by WB Yeats in the 1890s. David gave his last performance in November 2023, just before he died in January 2024.

With the help of Denise Dunne, who is well known for her work with adult literacy in Laois and also as a poet and author of her own poetry books, Ann set about editing David’s book and getting it ready for publishing.

A selection of poems in the book were read on the night by members of David’s family. A video of David reading one of his poems was played as was some of his poetry that had been put to music, with David singing and playing the bongos. He was accompanied by his music therapist on the guitar.

Mary Heeney, a retired teacher and friend of the family, spoke about how she had the pleasure of teaching David in the National Learning Network where she was helping out for a short while.

She recalled him as a person who stood out from the group. She said he was great in group discussions, always giving well thought out opinions. She recounted that he was deeply respected by the other students and popular amongst the staff. Ms Heeney described him as a bright, warm, deep young man who always helped his fellow students and encouraged them. He had much to offer, she said.

As Denise Dunne was unfortunately unable to attend due to illness in the family, Mary Heeney read out her presentation.

In it, Denise said that from an early age David Duncan had found his voice in poetry. She said his poems dealt with ‘hard, funny & difficult situations’ that he encountered. She added that his poems offered a safe outlet to process all kinds of feelings without giving or needing a full explanation.

She went on to explain that some people possess a sharper ear for rhythm, a stronger sense of imagery or a deeper sensitivity to language.

“David Duncan had all of these in abundance. He was hardwired to reach for beauty and meaning,” said Ms Heeney on behalf of Denise.

“ We’re giving it wings tonight and putting it out there to land in all the places where I know it will undoubtedly land. Bon Voyage to the Smoke after the Palest Depression,” concluded Denise.

David’s family were delighted with the event, describing it as a wonderful night, with attendees commenting that it was as if David was in the room.

The book is on sale at All Books Portlaoise and from the Parish Centre Portlaoise, with all proceeds going to Pieta House.