He is continually asked back to the annual writing and poetry festival, and he also yearns to renew and foster acquaintances.
The Irish poet often brings new work with him to offer to local audiences.
Ennis has just launched “Postponing Ásbyrgi” — a collection of poems in praise of the Icelandic group “Sìgur Rós.” Friday, he read at both the Reading at Al’s Rock and Hare Here.
It’s the seventh time he has been at the March Hare since 2002.
“It’s always been very memorable in the way it combines poetry and written word with music,” he said. “There has always been a balance between the two. I think that gives for great variety on the program.”
He also said the event provides a rich program, featuring six or seven writers or poets within an hour or two. He said that format is unique to many poetry festivals.
Ennis didn’t quite want to call them fans, but he said there are a number of people who are pleased to see him return and get a chance to see and hear his latest work. He also relishes the opportunity to catch up on what many of the local writers have been doing.
“Newfoundland is very rich in artists, both musicians and writers — poets, novelists and short story writers,” he said. “It is a great way of keeping up to date of what is going on, and hearing the latest work and hearing people read it. It is always a pleasant time.
Ennis did not meet local writer and university professor Al Pittman, something he said is a disappointment. Ennis began coming to western Newfoundland for festivals and collaborations with Memorial University in 2002, the year after Pittman died.
But he does know Pittman’s daughter and writer, Kyran Pittman, and his nephew and artist Michael Pittman.
The poet said it is a privilege to read at the event in honour of Al Pittman.
churley@thewesternstar.com
Twitter: WS_CoryHurley
