Michael Longley's new collection "A Hundred Doors"

I have a much loved and much read card. One of 400 numbered copies. A poem "Horseshoe" by Michael Longley with an engraving by Jeffrey Morgan. I got it at a party in Christmas 2006 to celebrate 35 years of Blackstaff Press. My limited edition is number 247 out of 400.

Over the year s I have put it out on display, then put it away carefully , only to find it again and bring it out for public airing. I put it out on the mantlepiece, then find that it's fallen behind the family photos, and other clutter, and so I put it away carefully again. The cycle has continued for the past 5 years. I really should frame it and hang it safely on a wall, but there's something about the feel of the paper (225 gms mould-made Zerkall paper with a deckle edge) that stops me.

This morning I found it again, behind a wedding photo and re-read it. 

Later this morning I read the poem again, as it's one of th poems in Michael's new collection. "A Hundred Doors". I was glad to see it and glad too that it's got a wider airing than the 400 privileged few at that party in Belfast 6 years ago.

Horseshoe

"I find a rusty horseshoe where skylarks

Rise from the sheepshitty path, God-sparks,

Sound-glints for bridle and bridle hand.

I am the farrier in this townland".

I love the "sheepshitty path". I think I've walked too many of them, but only Michael Longley can make them sound magical.

"A Hundred Doors" by Michael Longley is published by Jonathan Cape