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Poem of the Month

Niall O’Sullivan
James Ward, Gordale Scar (A View of Gordale, in the Manor of East Malham in Craven, Yorkshire, the Property of Lord Ribblesdale), 1812 - 1814

James Ward
Gordale Scar (A View of Gordale, in the Manor of East Malham in Craven, Yorkshire, the Property of Lord Ribblesdale) 1812 - 1814
Oil on canvas

Gordale Scar


It is not true that the gaze travels outwards,
over the heraldic beasts, between the limestone
hulks, skimming the stream where the last
surviving glints of light twinkle, onward
into the numb dark where minds are not welcome.

It is the scar itself and John Bull’s eye
that funnel into you, breach the iris,
pummel the retina, flume through the optic nerve
to ambush the cortex, seize synapses to find –
the flags packed up, the fortress long deserted.

Context:

The Poetry Society

Each month, TATE ETC. publishes new poetry by leading poets such as John Burnside, Moniza Alvi, Adam Thorpe, Alice Oswald and David Harsent who respond to works from the Tate Collection. Subscribe to the Poem of the Month RSS feed.

This November Niall O'Sullivan presents his poem, Gordale Scar, based on James Ward's Gordale Scar (A View of Gordale, in the Manor of East Malham in Craven, Yorkshire, the Property of Lord Ribblesdale). This painting is currently on display in Tate Britain, in 'The Sublime in Crisis: Terror, Torment and Transcendence.' For the Tate Collection online, visit www.tate.org.uk/collection.

The Poetry Society is curating this year's selection in the organisation's centenary year. Founded in 1909, the Society is now one of Britain’s most high-profile arts organisations, helping poets and poetry thrive in Britain and beyond. Membership is open to all, though members include many of the UK’s most eminent poets. It publishes the highly-respected journal Poetry Review; and also works to deliver a programme of poetry in education, supporting and developing creativity among young people and communities. Visit http://www.poetrysociety.org.uk for further information.

NIALL O’SULLIVAN

Niall O’Sullivan has released two collections of poetry, you’re not singing anymore and Ventriloquism for Monkeys, with Flipped Eye. He has performed poetry all over the UK and Europe for over ten years. In 2009, Niall featured on BBC Radio and Television during his residency at the 2009 Wimbledon Tennis Championships. He runs London’s biggest open mic poetry night, Poetry Unplugged, every Tuesday at the Poetry Café.

The Poetry Café, based in London’s Covent Garden, is the public face of the Poetry Society. It is a space open to anyone who would like to find out more about poetry, meet other poets, attend events, read the available poetry magazines, enjoy the exhibitions and settle down to a freshly made vegetarian meal, a glass of wine or a hot beverage. With regular events from John Hegley and Roddy Lumsden, nights dedicated to African writers, exiled writers and new writers, magazine launches including Poetry Review and the Wolf, poetry press launches including tall-lighthouse, and floorspots to showcase your own poetry including every Tuesday evening at Poetry Unplugged, you can be sure to find a poetry night to suit every taste.