When Silence Speaks – Poetry, Belonging and the Journey Home

Dr Anne O’Reilly

 In this workshop, participants were introduced to the language of poetry as the language of the breath and the heart.  Through reading and discussing a variety of poems from past to present, we were afforded opportunities for deep listening,  silence and new imagining.  Anne asked us to consider what sentiments within the particular poems resonated within our bodies, not just our minds.  It was interesting how particular emotions and memories could be evoked by just listening to a poem being read out.

Each of us attendees went on our own journey of self-reflection while being reminded of poems we learnt in our earlier years.  We enjoyed a deep sharing of personal life experiences and memories, which were triggered by certain poems.

Anne’s deep love of poetry and writing shone as she brought us through the day.  While some of those attending had already a good knowledge and value for poetry, the rest of us gained an understanding of the beauty of words.  We even tried our hand at creating our own poems while reflecting on existing well known poems for our inspiration.

Anne kindly shared a list of suggested reading for all who attended and, if anybody who did not attend is interested in receiving this, please email us here at Croi Nua.