Kieran Beville

  The Therapeutic Benefits of Poetry Kieran Beville . Poetry has long been celebrated for its artistic beauty and emotional depth, but its power goes beyond the aesthetic—it can also serve as a profound tool for healing and self-discovery. As a form of expression that taps directly into human emotion and experience, poetry offers unique therapeutic benefits for individuals facing mental, emotional, and even physical challenges Emotional Expression and Release At its core, poetry provides a structured yet creative way to articulate feelings that may otherwise be difficult to express. Whether it's grief, joy, anxiety, or love, putting emotions into words can validate a person's inner experience and offer a sense of relief. Unlike casual conversation, poetry allows for metaphor, symbolism, and rhythm to convey complex emotions in a deeply personal way. For many, writing or reading poetry becomes a cathartic act—a safe space to release burdens too heavy to bear in silence. En...

  A Short Critique of Desmond O’Grady’s Poetry 1. Multicultural and Historical Scope O’Grady’s poetry is renowned for its international breadth and classical reach. He draws from the ancient Mediterranean, Islamic Spain, and post-colonial North Africa, infusing Irish poetry with a global consciousness. In Hellas , for instance, he writes: "Time’s layers: Troy’s charred stones, / Rome’s columns out of joint, / Alexandria’s lost shelves – / Still smoke under the present." This passage demonstrates O’Grady’s command of historical layering, drawing on mythic and real ruins to meditate on cultural continuity and decay. His imagery spans millennia but remains grounded and immediate. 2. Linguistic Control and Classical Influence O’Grady’s work is formally disciplined and often austere, shaped by his engagement with classical and Semitic languages. He achieves compression without sacrificing clarity: "We are not heirs. / The past is not ours to inherit. / We seize ...

  The Ruby Teardrop  by Kieran Beville is a poignant novel exploring themes of love, loss, grief, and self-discovery. The story centres on Rachel Roycroft, whose life is shattered when her husband, Richard, an Anglican minister, dies by suicide. The narrative delves into Richard's internal struggles with faith and identity, as revealed through his journal, which becomes a source of reflection and pain for Rachel. Rachel navigates the aftermath of Richard's death, grappling with guilt, anger, and the challenge of raising their daughter Leah, who is deeply traumatized by the tragedy. Leah's journey is marked by rebellion, emotional turmoil, and eventual healing through rehabilitation and her passion for art. Rachel, meanwhile, finds solace in meditation, her work in an antiques shop, and the support of friends and family, including her sister Sarah and Richard's brother Alex. The story also explores Rachel's evolving spirituality, her rejection of organised reli...