Although I am thrilled to be heading off on holidays on Saturday, the joy is not unbridled as it means I will be missing the launch of Liam O'Meara's book on the Blind Bard of the Liberties, Michael Moran aka Zozimus.Zozimus was a street bard in the early nineteenth century who would go around Dublin reciting his own poetry. The Finding of Moses and Saint Patrick was a Gentleman are two of his more famous works. Though poets today may sneer at this semi-literate wordsmith, there is something heroic in his bringing poetry to the people.
Liam O'Meara is of course the man behind the Ledwidge awards and already the author of one book on the Meath poet. "Zozimus - The Life and Works of Michael Moran" promises to be an enjoyable, readable and authoritative biography.
The launch takes place next Thursday 23rd February at 7pm in the Gallery Zozimus on Francis Street, Dublin 8 and will be performed by the inimitable Brush Shiels who I last saw in the Wexford Inn back in the mid eighties.
I'd never heard of Zozimus before, Peter. Thanks for bringing him to my attention. Anyone who makes an effort to bring poetry to the people, is worth their salt.
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