(1904 - 1967 / County Monaghan)

poet Patrick Kavanagh
#103 on top 500 poets
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Inniskeen Road: July Evening

The bicycles go by in twos and threes -
There's a dance in Billy Brennan's barn to-night,
And there's the half-talk code of mysteries
And the wink-and-elbow language of delight.
Half-past eight and there is not a spot
Upon a mile of road, no shadow thrown
That might turn out a man or woman, not
A footfall tapping secrecies of stone.
I have what every poet hates in spite
Of all the solemn talk of contemplation.
Oh, Alexander Selkirk knew the plight
Of being king and government and nation.
A road, a mile of kingdom, I am king
Of banks and stones and every blooming thing.

Submitted: Friday, January 03, 2003


Read poems about / on: dance, woman, july, night, hate, women

Comments about this poem (Inniskeen Road: July Evening by Patrick Kavanagh )

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  • Adrian Mullane (6/14/2010 9:30:00 PM)

    another fav of mine. 'footfall tapping screcies of stone...' brilliant!

    3 person liked.
    		1 person did not like.
  • Eime G (4/28/2010 1:05:00 PM)

    Kavanagh demonstrates his detachment from the social world of rural Ireland through his imagery. He is isolated and lonley but only so he can preform his duties as a poet. He has voluntarily abandoned this world.

    3 person liked.
    		0 person did not like.
  • Benny Busker (4/8/2009 12:02:00 PM)

    It is important to note that all Patrick Kavanagh's poems are still in copyright.
    They cannot be reproduced without the permission of the copyright holder.
    Copyright © Estate of Katherine Kavanagh

    1 person liked.
    		7 person did not like.
  • Claire Carthy (8/19/2007 9:28:00 PM)

    I love this poem! conveys the lonliness and isolation he felt as a poet in a great way..

    3 person liked.
    		1 person did not like.
Read all 4 comments »

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