Local writer preparing for poetry reading in Italy

Amy Barry is one of the members of Athlone’s Poetry in the Park group, which meets every month for informal poetry readings.

The Cornafulla resident is among the contributors to a new chapbook (poetry booklet) which was launched by the group in Athlone Castle last Sunday, February 7. Entitled 'Community Poetry Chapbook No. 3’ it contains over 100 poems in total.

Amy will also be heading to Taranto, Italy, shortly, where she will be reading some of her poetry at a four-day literary festival.

We recently put these questions to Amy. 

* What is your earliest memory?
My earliest memory was at four years of age. I was playing hide and seek in the backyard when I fell on top of an upright rusty rod. The pain on my knee was excruciating. I felt every part of my body fall apart. My lungs flew away like a bird. I received nine stitches.

* When did you first develop an interest in poetry?
My first interest in writing poetry came about four years ago after completing a creative writing class. I am inspired by simply everything. I take my experiences and colourfully express universal themes that seamlessly cross the boundaries of borders and peoples. I explore current issues, love, family, nature, death, famous people and places of interest.

* What is your current state of mind?
Happy and excited, as I’m preparing for a trip to Taranto, Italy. I will be reading at a university in mid-February. This is a four-day Literary Festival. I’m thrilled to be invited for this wonderful event whereby 22 poets from all over the world will read, including Canada, USA, Turkey, Romania, Turkey, India, Pakistan and Italy. My reading will be in English and will be read/translated by an actress in Italian.

* Who are your favourite writers?
My favourite writers include F. Scott Fitzgerald, Hemingway, Christos Tsiolkas, Oscar Wilde, Seamus Heaney, Leonard Cohen, Pablo Neruda and Lord Byron, to name a few.

* What’s the best thing about Poetry in the Park?
The best thing about Poetry in the Park is the idea of a community (members from ages of four to seventy) meeting up every month to read their work or to listen and support others.

* What’s your favourite food?
I am a big Sushi lover. I frequent the Sushi outlet at the Dundrum Shopping Centre.

* What’s the last song or album that you listened to and liked?
'The Heat is on’ by Glenn Frey.

* What’s your favourite holiday destination?
Nepal is a backpacker’s feast. I travelled alone in February 1999. Pokhara, Sarangkot, Katmandu, Annapurna mountains are beautiful and mesmerizing. And, the majestic beauty, Mount Everest. Several poems are inspired by this experience. The people are friendly and helpful. I will definitely return to this amazing country.

* What’s your favourite movie?
Mamma Mia. The movie was just sheer fun. I watched it perhaps more than ten times. I watched it again in Beijing, in Singapore, on the plane… and always clapping, dancing and singing along to the 70s songs of ABBA.

* What are your hopes for 2016?
To create and maintain writing momentum. To explore more places. And to pray for peace and love to the world.