Miles of Sky Above Us, Miles of Earth Below

by Steve Denehan

Steve Denehan is an extraordinary poet. In this debut collection, he writes about ordinary everyday events in his life and does so in a way that will resonate with the reader. His poetry brings unforgettable impact into small spaces, reveals the fabric of solitude in epic proportions, and tells stories of the moments where life truly exists.

120 pages, Paperback

Published August 18, 2019

About the author

Steve Denehan lives in Kildare, Ireland with his wife Eimear and daughter Robin. He is the author of two chapbooks and four poetry collections. Winner of the Anthony Cronin Poetry Award and twice winner of Irish Times' New Irish Writing, his numerous publication credits include Poetry Ireland Review and Westerly.

Reviews

[Paul · Rating 4 out of 5]

This collection by Steve Denehan is very much rooted in the everyday and the mundane. But in amongst the most ordinary is where he finds the gaps where light floods in and inspires him to write these poems. There is nothing esoteric in here, rather these are poems about real-world situations, casual Fridays, birdsong, cookies and the struggle of writing and finding the words that he knows are there.

I remain calm

I try to remain calm

But the words are there inside my fingertips

Eager to be born

trapped

Family ties are a big theme too. He reminisces about his childhood, spends time with his dad and looks forward to his daughters future. It is a small book about the big things in life, that we can’t always see until too late. His poems are easy to read, feel grounded in our world and soar with joy and bleed with pain.

I buy old library books

Because they are cheap

Because they come with extras

History

Stories beyond the books themselves

I have read more poetry this year than ever before having set myself a challenge of reading at least one poetry book a month. Some of the collections have been really good, other I have struggled with for a variety of reasons, but nonetheless, I have still enjoyed them. I feel a real connection to the poetry that Denehan writes. It is very accessible whilst still having a depth that comes from having lived.

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Denehan’s collection is one that wraps you up in a cosy warm hug and brings you honey tea as you indulge in its contents. His poems show the reader the pure undisturbed moments where life lovingly exists. The wonderful thing about poetry is that it speaks to everyone and we all interpret it differently.

There’s something truly captivating about hearing the words aloud as you read them on the page. It’s a magnificent trick of the mind that pulls you farther into the world of the writer. In Ivory you can hear all the sounds of the dentist attacking a stubborn tooth. It sent goosebumps up my arm making me shiver at the image. I was completely engrossed and loved every second of it.

There is a loving theme of family in Denehan’s poems. He speaks of memories as a child with his father and as a adult with his daughter. It’s touching and emotional as his poems bring a comfort to the reader that this is life in all it’s finest forms. This is why we breathe and walk upon this earth, for these preciously delicate moments. Love and family.

These poems are not only personal to Denehan but are also tended to and cared for by his passion. He paints memories of his childhood and spending time with his father elegantly. In My Father Was a Carpenter he shows the reader how they would sharpen sticks, taking their time as it is a craft. But years later he sees on the TV that a machine can do it in seconds. Yet this doesn’t matter because it was never really about how sharp the sticks were. It was about the time spent and memories they made together. It forces you to reevaluate certain aspects of life, how hard work and craftsmanship is often disregarded these days because a machine can do it quicker, but it doesn’t always mean that it’s better.

This collection reminded me of a scrap book, bursting with laughter, tears and love that weakens the binding the more memories that are added. Yet it does not break and holds together strongly. Each poem has a purpose and a place here, Denehan has taken the time to weave his craft and the results are a delightful pleasure to read.

The relationship Denehan has with his daughter is endearing to see and brought tears to my eyes as I can strongly relate being a parent myself. Children are only children for so long, they grow up ridiculously quick. Denehan has captured the innocence and joy of the little things like childhood perfectly in his poems. I loved reading Toothpaste as it reminded me that the simplest of pleasures can be found in the smallest of things. You only need to look or in this case be shown by the excitement of a child. It’s a magical experience and one we should all partake in. You’re never, ever too old.

I give Miles Of Sky Above Us, Miles Of Earth Below By Steve Denehan a Four out of Five paw rating.

Engaging and immersing poetry. Denehan’s imagery is strong and crisp, you feel as if you can reach out and touch, taste, smell the beauty he concocts. You are left feeling wined and dined on only the finest of delicacies while leaving a more than generous tip as you eye up the hors d’oeuvres for a return visit.

This book is for everyone and I highly recommend you give it a read. To simply put dear reader, it’s just beautiful.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Steve Denehan's poetry is, in a word, beautiful. His collection is one that transports you into the simple complexities of everyday life. The poems lead you into the moments where life truly exists, taking you on a journey through sadness and humor, but mostly love. You don't have to be a poet, or even love poetry, to love this collection; it is a book for everyone.

[Sinead McKeever · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked this book up in my local bookshop after a recommendation. Well I laughed and cried throughout. Denehan brought me on a magical journey through life. Everytime I pick up this book and dip in and out I am always left with a smile on my face, a Fantastic Read!