Reshaping The Light

by Breda Joyce

In this collection the poet shows a heightened sensitivity to the liminality of human experience and an appreciation of how the natural world helps us navigate threshold spaces, moments of ambiguity which offer us opportunities for exploration.
This collection examines these barely perceptible states and places of transition between the known and the unknown, between shades of darkness and light, the interstice where transformation may take place, as is suggested in her opening poem Murmuration, the search for words to ‘weave possibilities out of the shadows’.
This three part suite considers first how the light is reshaped in the natural world and through the seasons of our lives. In the second sequence of poems, Joyce explores themes of loss, abandonment, and ritual. The poems in the final section move beyond suffering and vulnerability toward a light-filled perception in the way that the poem Noctiluca suggests finding luminescence or sea-sparkle ‘in the shadow of an island.’

76 pages, Paperback

Published June 1, 2021

About the author

Breda Joyce grew up in Headford Co. Galway and lives near Clonmel, Co. Tipperary with her husband Mark and their daughters Caoimhe and Muireann. On retiring from second-level teaching, Breda fulfilled her ambition to study creative writing in U.C.C. where she won her first poetry prize and from where she graduated with an M.A in 2020. Her work has been shortlisted and highly commended in a number of competitions, the most recent being the Fish Lockdown prize 2020. Her poetry has been published in Irish and international literary journals and anthologies most recently The Best New British and Irish Poets Anthology 2019 -2021. Apart from writing, Breda enjoys sea-swimming, cycling and hiking in the hills near her home.

Reviews

[Frankoz]

Breda Joyce’s poems are easy to read, surely the ultimate compliment in an age where academics would turn us all into snobs. Her subjects are her family and friends, her locality, people she remembers from childhood. Like the retired major with shell-shock, his orders and salutes imitated by children and his delightful ‘Wrap it up now, wrap it up, wrap it up’ when the priest’s sermon went on for too long. Simple scenes: blackberry picking, chicken-feeding, visiting a hospital and ‘the ward with bad smell.’ Poems of gentleness and caring, gems of family life in tender recall; the reader feels they know her people.

In this edition, we select her reflection on the Magdalene women, Dirty Linen. Those final lines say it all
They buried him outside the rails
Dirt still stains their fingernails.

Tinteán.org.au

[Nicky Fox]

This book was recommended by a friend and it did not disappoint. The poems are so thought provoking and immerse you in different times and places. A beautiful book of poetry that I will keep coming back to. I would highly recommend 🥰

[John McCarthy]

This is a gorgeous volume of poetry that has people and the natural world at its heart. Meticulously crafted poems that burst with joy.

[Frances Moore]

This is a moving collection, where the poet captures a mix of life experiences in an eloquent and authoritative manner. I really enjoyed my read through these poems and related most to those about the letting go of children. I know that I will visit this collection often and that other poems will resonate.
Mostly I am glad of the poet's ability to bring me, the reader, to experiences of mystery that are caught in the lines and spaces of her work. This above all, makes the collection a cherished read, and I would like to offer warmest congratulations to Breda Joyce on the publication of such a moving collection.

[Richard Cahill]

I love this Collection. I have a collection of my own coming out shortly, and I love poetry. The opening poem 'Murmurations' in memory of Seamus Heaney, ' draws you in straight away with 'starlings meandering in rippling syllables.' Beautiful. Seamus Heaney would be well impressed. Breda's poem ' Crossing' is wonderful, it struck a chord with me immediately. All the poems in this collection by Breda Joyce are special, and you will want to read them again and again. Richard Cahill

[Ger Geraghty]

Amazed at the quality of the work in Reshaping the Light. If there is better poetry being written in Ireland at present, I would like to see it. Such a range of topics and experiences, teeming with the beautiful language of poetry. The poems are such a joy to read that I know I will be returning to them again and again.

[Mary O’Gorman]

Reshaping The Light is a powerful collection that is aptly named. The authority of the poet’s voice and vision is unquestionable. From the chilling images in The Void (I scan frantic walls, dark corners) set in Berlin’s Jewish Museum to the modern poem Disconnect (we may as well FaceTime the Moon) this fine collection is profound yet wonderfully accessible.

[Sinéad Joyce]

Loved this wonderful book of poems ❤

I am blown away by them! absolutely moving, you are an amazing poet. You have a special way of capturing moments gone by!

Best of luck on your writing journey. x

[James]

This book is a beautiful read- something to pick up when you need it. There is essence of something profoundly human and familiar trailed along the pages, which make the poems come to life. I definitely recommend getting a couple of copies of this book and sharing it with loved ones.

[Jim Moriarty]

An excellent collection of poems relating to everyday life in language one can understand. How wonderful!

[Brian]

Lots of beautiful emotion and tender moments in this collection

[Niamh Twomey]

This is a gorgeous collection of poetry that I would recommend to anyone! The carefully crafted poems are full of heartfelt descriptions and feeling, and the motif of light ties them all together so beautifully. In opening poem, 'Murmuration', ''a slim light threaded the sky before it thickened / into a stream of starlings''. The collection moves around in space and time but maintains its rich, sensual imagery and emotion throughout. I have scribbled love-hearts all over my copy <3

[Eleannor Gormally]

Reshaping the Light is a beautiful collection of poems. Each poem is skilfully crafted, possessing that rare gift of transforming the ordinary into something quite extraordinary. I particularly love Joyce's use of imagery-familiar and accessible, rich and powerful. Poem after poem drew me in, engaging my mind and touching my heart.