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I have a much loved and much readÌýcard. One of 400 numbered copies. A poem "Horseshoe"Ìýby Michael Longley with an engraving by Jeffrey Morgan.ÌýI got it at a party inÌýChristmas 2006 to celebrate 35 years of Blackstaff Press. My limited edition is number 247 out of 400.

Over the year s I have put it out on display, then put it away carefully , only to find it again and bring it out for public airing. ÌýI put it out on the mantlepiece, then find that it's fallen behind the family photos, and other clutter, and so IÌýput it away carefully again. The cycle has continued for the past 5 years. I really Ìýshould frame it and hang it safely on a wall, but there's something about the feel of the paper (225 gms mould-made Zerkall paper with a deckle edge) that stops me.

This morning I found it again, behind a wedding photo and re-read it.Ìý

Later this morning I read the poem again,Ìý as it's one of th poems inÌýMichael's new collection. "A Hundred Doors". I was glad to see it and glad too that it's got a wider airing than theÌý400 privileged fewÌýat that party in Belfast 6 years ago.

Horseshoe

"I find a rusty horseshoe where skylarks

Rise from the sheepshitty path, God-sparks,

Sound-glints for bridle and bridle hand.

I am the farrier in this townland".

I love the "sheepshitty path". I think I've walked too many of them, butÌýonly Michael Longley can make themÌýsound magical.

Ìý

"A Hundred Doors" by Michael Longley is published by Jonathan Cape