The eighth Manx Bard, Michael Manning is publishing a new poetry collection, Graih: Prophetic-Utopian poems, in November.
Michael, who was named as the eighth Manx Bard in 2022, has lived on the Isle of Man since early childhood and left school with no qualifications to pursue his writing.
For most of the past 20 years he has built relationships with those who are homeless and in insecure accommodation, primarily through the work of the former Manx charity Graih.
New Poetry Collection
It was the people that Michael met through Graih (the Manx word for ‘love’) that inspired him to write the collection.
“Being chosen as Manx Bard was a great spur to read and write more poetry,” Michael said.
“The experiences of those on the margins are revelatory. I think that the lives of the extraordinary men and women I met through Graih have a national significance for us. The volume is an attempt to reflect on that.”
The publication has been supported with a grant from Culture Vannin.
Manx Identity
Chris Williamson, Vice Chair of Culture Vannin, said: “Through Graih Michael Manning brings Manx culture vividly to life, weaving together the island’s landscapes, stories, and people.
“Culture Vannin is delighted to support a work that enriches our understanding and appreciation of Manx identity.”
Graih: Prophetic-Utopian poems will be launched with a free poetry and music concert on November 8 at 7.30pm, at Broadway Baptist Church, Douglas.
Other contributors to the evening include fifth Manx Bard Annie Kissack, Phil Gawne, Adele Harris, current Manx Bard Bradley Chambers and Susan Coyle and friends.
