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WOWO Thursday 13 February 2025, 7-9pm GMT

Our programme this evening is dedicated to short stories and poems, with a memoir and a travelogue thrown in for good measure! Again, we can look forward to being impressed and beguiled by the variety and skill of our talented contributors.

The Sunday Visit by Mary Hodson is a delightful memoir of pleasant childhood visits to the farm of loved relatives. The story captures the resonance between the innocent child and the caring grandfather in an environment of nature, family and tradition.

The White Cliffs of Dover by Mary Hodson is a deeply moving family memoir that follows a pilgrimage to Belgium to visit the grave of a relative who died in the Battle of Ypres in 1917. As the family retrace his journey, the narrative captures the weight of loss, remembrance, and the importance of passing down these stories to future generations.

Meeting Mary by Veronica O’Neill is an exploration of an unexpected encounter. Beautifully written, with unexpected twists and turns, we see a bond form between two sensitive ladies who have experienced life and are still looking forward.

They by Póilín Brennan is an enigmatic poem which examines the unseen influences that shape our lives. The poem explores an omnipresent force, leaving the reader to interpret who or what ‘they’ represent, while imparting a sense of unease and reflection.

Threading Time by Deirdre Anne Gialamas is a meditation on the passage of time and its impact on the human experience. The piece weaves through memories, contrasting fleeting moments of joy with the weight of nostalgia.

Two Weeks in Japan by Joyce Butcher takes us on a whirlwind tour of a land both exotic and modern. Descriptions of the beauties of nature, the sobering history of Hiroshima, and quixotic public signs form a text full of interest, reflection and humour.

Vertical Ridges by Jutta Rosen contrasts the abundance and comfort of life today with the rigours of the Famine in the 1840s. The desperate and backbreaking efforts to provide food are visible to this day on the hillsides of Connemara, for those who know what to look for.

My Two Lambs by Deirdre Anne Gialamas is a deeply personal poem dedicated to two beloved figures. Displaying rich, dynamic language, the poem expresses love and a sense of spiritual connection, even as time and distance separate them.

Two Poems from John Hodson’s Poetry Book showcase the poet’s sharp wit and keen observation of life. Together they offer a compelling glimpse into a unique poetic voice that was waiting to be discovered.

With such a full programme, some items might be postoned for presentation next week. We wish all participants a thoroughly enjoyable evening!

Programme

Short Story The Sunday Visit Mary Hodson

Memoir The White Cliffs of Dover Mary Hodson

Short Story Meeting Mary Veronica O’Neill

Poem They ilín Brennan

Short Story Threading Time Deirdre Anne Gialamas

Travelogue Two Weeks in Japan Joyce Butcher

Short Story Vertical Ridges Jutta Rosen

Poem My Two Lambs Deirdre Anne Gialamas

Poem Two poems from John Hodson’s Poetry Book John Hodson

WOWO Thursday 6 February 2025 7-9pm GMT

Sunday Visit by Mary Hodson is a delightful memoir of pleasant childhood visits to the farm of loved relatives. The story captures the resonance between the innocent child and the caring grandfather in an environment of nature, family and tradition.

A State of Primal Therapy by Póilín Brennan explores the raw, unfiltered emotions of anger and pain passed through generations. With vivid imagery, this poem delves into buried trauma, unresolved chaos, and the eventual release of long-held injustices.

In Chapter 3 of A Normal Couple 2 by Olga Peters, Fra is adjusting to her new reality as a widow in wartime Berlin. While struggling with the economics of pensions and ration cards, recurring dreams of her husband offer both solace and unsettling questions.

With such a full programme, some items might be postoned for presentation next week. We wish all participants a thoroughly enjoyable evening!

Programme

MOTM Competition +++ 11 Entries +++ All Members

Discussion Postscript by Seamus Heaney All Members

Short Story Sunday Visit Mary Hodson

Poem A State of Primal Therapy ilín Brennan

Novel Extract A Normal Couple 2, Ch. 3 Olga Peters

Story A New Story Mary Hawkshaw

WOWO Thursday, 30 January 2025, 7-9pm GMT

As usual, the last Thursday of the month is reserved for our Mug of the Month Competition. This week we’ll hear ten entries containing the key words COURT and SETTLE. The multiple meanings of these words should lead to a wide variety of inspired interpretations!

Last week’s discussion of Postscript by Seamus Heaney is being continued. We hope to learn from the poet’s masterly use of imagery, rhythm and association.

Mind Movies by Frances Dermody presents the intriguing evolution of an inhibited middle-aged man who begins to escape the grasp of his domineering mother and his own inner dreams, and instead to enter the real world.

Sunday Visit by Mary Hodson is a delightful memoir of pleasant childhood visits to the farm of loved relatives. The story captures the resonance between the innocent child and the caring grandfather in an environment of nature, family and tradition.

In Souls by James Conway, the nature of Dublin Bay becomes alive as spirits return to their earthly shores. Vivid descriptions of nature and spectral imagery serve to explore mortality, memory and the quiet collision between the spiritual and modern worlds.

Two Weeks in Japan by Joyce Butcher takes us on a whirlwind tour of a land both exotic and modern. Descriptions of the beauties of nature, the sobering history of Hiroshima, and quixotic public signs form a text full of interest, reflection and humour.

A State of Primal Therapy by Póilín Brennan explores the raw, unfiltered emotions of anger and pain passed through generations. With vivid imagery, this poem delves into buried trauma, unresolved chaos, and the eventual release of long-held injustices.

Resurrection by Anne McManus presents a humorous account of life after death. Resurrected to appease mourning sisters, the narrator questions the fairness and purpose of divine intervention even after death.

In Chapter 3 of A Normal Couple 2 by Olga Peters, Fra is adjusting to her new reality as a widow in wartime Berlin. While struggling with the economics of pensions and ration cards, recurring dreams of her husband offer both solace and unsettling questions.

With such a full programme, some items might be postoned for presentation next week. We wish all participants a thoroughly enjoyable evening!

Programme

MOTM Competition +++ 10 Entries +++ All Members

Discussion Postscript by Seamus Heaney All Members

Short Story Mind Movies Frances Dermody

Short Story Sunday Visit Mary Hodson

Short Story Souls James Conway

Short Story Two Weeks in Japan Joyce Butcher

Poem A State of Primal Therapy ilín Brennan

Poem Resurrection Anne McManus

Novel Extract A Normal Couple 2, Ch. 3 Olga Peters

Story A New Story Mary Hawkshaw

WOWO Thursday, 23 January 2025, 7-9pm GMT

Once again, our Programme offers an amazing variety of styles, topics and moods; what unites them all is the high standard of the writing!

Veronica O’Neill’s unusual short story Sleeping Bag develops into an exquisite sequence of emotions: warmhearted childhood memories, drama, tension, with a hint of humour, and finally resignation lasting into adulthood and beyond. Don’t miss this gem of a story!

Mary Hodson’s two short stories also evolve from childhood memories. The Station touchingly recalls the time-honoured tradition of station masses, which provided an intersection of religious ceremony and social get-together. Sunday Visit mirrors the happy memories of special days spent on Granda’s farm, a text that comes alive through short comments and remarks typical for each occasion.

Deirdre Anne Gialamas’s impressive poem Orphans immerses us in man’s passage through birth into a labyrinthine world, to the revelation of moments of wonder in our surroundings and the magic of universal community. A complex text which, nevertheless, everyone can relate to.

Once again, Mary Hawkshaw has created images of great beauty, this time to illustrate her poem of the same title, Beauty. A video which one wishes would never end!

What can we learn from the great master, Seamus Heaney? His poem Postscript opens us to the transience of natural beauty, moments which cannot be grasped but which nonetheless move us deeply. Which are the key words and phrases that endow this poem with such power?

Finally, our Anthology 2026 – the collection of the best submissions in 2024/2025 – is in the making and warrants some organisation and planning.

And don’t forget! The closing date for Mug of the Month entries is looming: Sunday, 26 January! Be sure to send your texts of no more than 48 words plus a form of the key words COURT and SETTLE to annemurraypost@yahoo.ie before then! As usual, all entries will be read on the last Thursday of the month.

We wish all viewers and visitors a rewarding and stimulating evening!

Short Story Sleeping Bag Veronica O’Neill

Short Story Sunday Visit Mary Hodson

Poem Orphans Deirdre Anne Gialamas

Poem/Video Beauty Mary Hawkshaw

Discussion Postscript by Seamus Heaney All Members

WOWO Thursday, 16 January 2025, 7-9pm GMT

Short stories by our members dominate in this evening’s session.

Frank Fahy‘s brand new tale, ‘In Confidence’, confronts us with a snippet of real life, encapsulated in time and space to produce a text of extreme and unusual intensity. Frank is looking forward to members’ reactions to his story!

Life on the farm in bygone times have frequently inspired Mary Hodson. Her clear and detailed tales document forgotten rituals and traditions, which are presented in an empathetic manner that everyone can relate to. We look forward to hearing about ‘The Station’, which will revive pleasant memories in our older listeners.

Deirdre Anne Gialamas‘s versatility is demonstrated in the two stories being presented tonight. In ‘Pay the Lady’ , we can relive the excitement of our first paid job in the adult world. By contrast, ‘Strolling Towards Yesterday and Tomorrow’ transports us to Athens, specifically to the stunning Acropolis Museum, a modern structure housing magnificent artefacts that are thousands of years old.

Elizabeth Hannon‘s inspiration often derives from her immediate family, and in this evening’s poem she introduces us to Aunt Tess, a lady whose warm-heartedness and generosity was cherished, never to be forgotten by her whole family.The tiny details of Aunt Tess’s many activities give this poem a special sparkle.

The genres presented in our sessions have been expanded by a new literary art form, thanks to Mary Hawkshaw. A newcomer to computer technology and AI, Mary quickly excelled in implementing these novel possibilities. Tonight’s video ‘The Circle of Life’ includes text, music and moving images, demonstrating her ability as a writer and her expertise with the new technologies. Congratulations, Mary!

Finally, we expect an open discussion of the group’s publishing plans this year. Past years have seen the annual publication of our Anthology, as well as two volumes by individual members containing their collected poems, short stories, or a novel. A wonderful reward and honour for the members chosen, and an encouragement to all others to produce, practice, create, and write, write, write!

Have an enjoyable and stimulating evening on Thursday!

PS: Don’t forget to enter your text for our monthly Mug of the Month competition (MOTM). Write a maximum of fifty words in any genre containing the two given words, this month: SETTLE and COURT. Then send your work to annemurraypost@yahoo.ie. Closing date: 26 January 2025.

Don’t miss your chance – YOU could be the next proud holder of our precious Mug!

Short Story In Confidence Frank Fahy

Short Story Pay the Lady Deirdre Anne Gialamas

Short Story Strolling Towards Yesterday and Tomorrow Deirdre Anne Gialamas

Poem Aunt Tess Elizabeth Hannon

WOWO Thursday 9 January 2025 7-9pm

A warm Welcome to the New Year for all our members and friends. We’re looking forward to another exhilarating twelve months of creativity and stimulation in each other’s company, together with hours of pleasure reading and listening to the stories, poems and songs that we have produced.

In our last session before Christmas we enjoyed a much longer-than-usual list of texts. Some of these will be touched on in tonight’s programme, allowing comments and reactions for which there was no time in December.

Joanne Dowling‘s story moves with changing perspectives: the gentle anticipation of the returning traveller, and of those awaiting his or her arrival. The bonds of homeland, home and family emerge as the basic emotions of this quiet text.

A quest for ingredients for a Plum Pudding in 1960s Israel leads to insights into contrasting cultures and the universal quality of kindness. Humour and humanity set the tone in Jutta Rosen‘s memoir.

Deirdre Anne Gialamas chronicles the history of O’Donovan’s, a humble yet enduring Dublin deli that withstood the tides of modernisation. This piece celebrates resilience, community, and the heartwarming stories of those who make life a little brighter.

Helena Clare‘s pognant historical narrative unfolds in the form of a letter, detailing the hardships of 19th century Ireland. Through the voice of Paddy Connaughton, we glimpse acts of quiet heroism, familial love, and the compassion that sustains through adversity.

In ‘The Magic Proof’, Clare O’Malley captures the wonder of childhood belief. In this tender poem, a simple crack in the fireplace becomes a magical keepsake, evoking memories of love and innocence.

‘Let Peace be the Brightest Star’ by James Conway reminds us of the fragility of life and the enduring hope for peace. His poem weaves a tapestry of memory, loss, and the resilience of the human spirit.

In his second poem, James Conway delves into the enigmatic qualities of intuition and wisdom, painting a portrait of a world where insight triumphs over complexity.

Our discussion will cover points such as forthcoming publications, special events, competitions such as our monthly Mug of the Month, and much more!

Be sure not to miss what promises to be another lively and inspiring evening with a professional presentation of our own writings!

Short Story Homecoming Joanne Dowling

Short Story O’Donovan’s Dublin Delight Deirdre Anne Gialamas

Short Story Paddy Connaughton’s Letter to Delia Helena Clare

WOWO Thursday, 19 December 2024, 7-9pm

Programme

Poem The Lone Holly Tree Mary Hodson

Short Story My Palestinian Plum Pudding Jutta Rosen

Christmas Wish Bill & Judith Geoghegan

Poem Happy Christmas James Conway

Song The Robin Frank Fahy

Song One big Solitary Tear Geraldine Warren

Short Story Santa’s Letter Mary Hodson

Poem Let Peace Be the Brightest Star James Conway

Comedy Piece Write-On Carol Service MaryRose Tobin

Song Write-On Christmas Song 2024

Song Death in December Geraldine Warren

Song Come Take My Hand Bill Geoghegan

Song Friends Grit Metsch

Short Story Christmas Miracle Seamus Keogh

Poem Childhood Memory Anne McManus

WOWO – Thursday, 12 December 2024, 7-9pm

This is our last meeting before our Christmas Special next week. We offer a varied programme of prose, poetry and song, as well as the chance to examine a masterpiece of short story writing by a renowned craftsman.

Our new member, Veronica O’Neill, is presenting an unusual genre, a prose poem, where the stark realities of nature remind her of similar rites of passage in her own biography. Unusual and riveting.

The first excerpt from Seamus Keogh‘s novel continues last week’s account, which left Paudie in a dramatic situation. Later, a new scenario has two sisters defying tradition and social expectations against the backdrop of a lively folk festival. Vivid descriptions bring scenes and activities to life.

Geraldine Warren‘s poem captures the emotions of rejection and longing after the breakup of a very intimate relationship. Unspoken is the age-old question of how it could come to this!

The excitement of a child unwrapping her Christmas present is the theme of Deirdre Anne Gialamas’s heart-warming poem ‘The Shiny Red Couch’ – treasured memories that most people can relate to.

James Conway‘s poem ‘In a Picture’ brings an ancient photo to life, with tapping feet and happy smiles from a time when floors were strewn with sawdust, and Christmas brought the menfolk home from England. The joys of Christmasses long ago!

The song ‘Come Take My Hand’ celebrates two people dealing with life’s uncertainties side by side. Bill Geoghegan’s powerful lyrics will speak to many of us, offering comfort and a sense of solidarity.

‘Show, don’t tell’ is the key to the interpretation of this seemingly simple tale by the master story-teller Raymond Carver. Analysing his narrative techniques will benefit anyone and everyone who enjoys writing similar texts.

Once again, we offer a wonderful variety of original works to generate enjoyment, inspiration, discussion, and a feeling of interaction and connectivity. All members and visitors are welcome to participate!

Programme

Prose Poem Otter Veronica O’Neill

Novel Extract from: A Stained Collar 1 Seamus Keogh

Novel Extract from: A Stained collar 2 Seamus Keogh

Poem Death in December Geraldine Warren

Poem The Shiny Red Couch Deirdre Anne Gialamas

Poem In a Picture James Conway

Song Come Take My Hand Bill Geoghegan

Discussion Why Don’t You Dance? by Raymond Carver All Members

WOWO Thursday, 5 December 2024, 7-9pm

The busy Christmas season has opened, but our creative writers are still producing! Welcome to another session with works by our talented members.

Held over from last week, Deirdre Anne Gialamas is developing a strong personal style, with her own rich use of language. This cryptic poem is an example, and we look forward to her own comments on it!

Seamus Keogh is one of our original members, and has produced poems which have earned him admiration and awe from his fellow writers. Here he melds images from nature to lament the passing of a sister. A jewel of a poem.

A small child tries to come to grips with the illness of her father, aided by her little dog Ollie. Clare O’Malley’s charming story, related through the eyes of the child, continues this evening. Though intended for children, it captivates the adult heart too.

A warm welcome to our new member, Veronica O’Neill! She’s introducing herself with two texts (not really short stories) about observations of nature, keenly observed, lyrically described, and linked to personal human moments. Magical texts, Veronica. Thank you for joining our group!

Another established poet in Write-On is James Conway. His verses this evening are a homage to Gerard Manley Hopkins, Jesuit and secret poet, who refused to allow his poems to be published during his lifetime. Since then they have influenced many other famous artists. His mystical and innovative style is perfectly reflected in James’s poem this evening.

Seamus Keogh is not only a gifted poet, but has also embarked on a novel, from which we hear extracts all too rarely. Tonight’s offering is eagerly awaited, for Seamus is also an accomplished story-teller, who knows how to keep his readers on the edge of their seat.

All in all, we offer an interesting mix of genres in this session, so that we are sure all those attending will enjoy another entertaining and stimulating two hours of culture!

Programme

Poem unNatural World Deirdre Ann Gialamas

Poem An Cathaoir Folamh Seamus Keogh

Short Story Rachel & Ollie (Part 2 of 3) Clare O’Malley

Short Story Sparrow Hawk Veronica O’Neill

Poem Gerard Manley Hopkins James Conway

Short Story Otter Veronica O’Neill

Novel Extract Paudie McCoy Railway Scene Seamus Keogh

WOWO Thursday 28 November 2024, 7-9 pm

Welcome to this week’s session! It will open with our popular Mug of the Month competition, which has attracted eight entries that include the words SHIP and PLANE. Look forward to being surprised at the many meanings and uses these words have been given! And as usual, expect a high standard and a difficult decision when it comes to voting whose text will gain the Mug for its creator!

Deirdre Anne Gailamas’s short text is a tour de force of brief moments during which an author emerges from writer’s block back to the laptop. A powerful piece in only a few words!

Mary Hodson’s story about a little boy expecting an unusual birthday present will move every heart. The story captures the essence of innocent childhood in a magical manner.

James Conway’s mystery story ‘Manderville’ recalls a more famous Manderville where a body is also found in the water. From a quiet though eerie opening, the tale spins its way to a dramatic and satisfying close. Expect an entertaining fifteen minutes!

Poilín Brennan perfectly captures the feeling of awe released by the vision of the moon, and the realisation of all the possibilities that life holds in store. The poem urges us to open ourselves to the wonders around us.

Deirdre Anne Gialamas has written a cryptic poem on some of the problems of today’s difficult world. We hope for more illumination when she comments on our comments!

Jutta Rosen’s short poem is a personal reflection on how the senses can awaken longing for past times, an experience shared by many emigrants.

Kathleen Phelan has submitted a video composed of stills, many with a Christmas theme, but including some unexpected faces. Here too we look forward to her own comments on this entertaining, quixotic work!

Finally, Mary Hawkshaw’s anthem (an unfinished work) celebrates our group’s diversity in membership and creativity. An unusual but all the more welcome submission! Thank you Mary. Is there music, too?

As you can see, once again we have a great variety of works on many different themes, so that, together with comments and discussions, our two hours will hardly suffice. We wish all our viewers a highly enjoyable evening!

Programme

MOTM 8 Entries All Members

Short Story Writer’s Block Deirdre Anne Gialamas

Short Story Snake, Lizard and Frog Mary Hodson

Short Story Mandervillle James Conway

Poem Art of Admiration Poilín Brennan

Poem unNatural World Deirdre Anne Gialamas

Poem Signs Jutta Rosen

Video Write-On Kathleen Phelan

Song Write-On This Christmas Mary Hawkshaw