The intention behind the Green Carnations anthology is to debut and showcase the verse of the next generation of queer Irish poets
David Fallon, a past pupil of Ard Scoil na mBraithre, Clonmel, Co Tipperary and a final year English major at South East Technological University (WIT) will have a selection of his poetry published in Green Carnations Anthology compiled by Queer Writers of Ireland. The book will be printed in a single small run.
David, who has spent the last three years studying on WIT’s Level 8 Arts degree where he studied English and Theatre Studies, embarked on his studies as a mature student.
New showcase
The overall intention of Green Carnations was to debut and showcase the verse of the next generation of queer Irish poets and to make the Post-Referendum generation of younger LGBT poets in Ireland better aware of one another’s poetry. Work was received and selected from the four corners of the island.
Submissions for this poetry collection closed in April, after which David’s poetry had been shortlisted and then finally chosen as one of the final 26 poets to be included in the collection. Poetry was received across the entire island of Ireland.
The intention behind the anthology is to debut and showcase the verse of the next generation of queer Irish poets.
Importance of submitting to anthology
David explains why he submitted his poetry: “Poetry Ireland had a submission call for the anthology. When I discovered that the anthology was specifically aimed towards queer writers, being a gay man myself and having struggled with my sexuality, this for me was very important to be a part of. As a result, the poetry I submitted is quite personal and very emotive. The poetry is from a queer perspective, but can be read by anyone who has ever loved, lost a loved one or fell out of love.”
David says that when he received confirmation the poetry had been selected straightaway he rang his mother to share the news. “She was delighted. I felt blown away because this anthology from the very outset was close to my heart.”
Future plans
For the future, David says he will of course keep writing and submitting to anthologies and awards. “Finishing college this year, has been quite strange due to Covid-19. In times like this, we all need good news whether it’s writing, sport, academia, science etc it doesn’t matter what field because it gives us all hope for brighter and better days to come. And they will for all of us of that I’m certain.”