An excerpt from his autobiography describes his relationship with his mother and their disagreements over religion and morality. This was the background against which the poet's work would be energised. The Clarkes were typical of their time and place, deeply devotional and anti-ecumenical. That atmosphere of his childhood was Victorian, Catholic and rigid. Local legend told that if went you went twice round the Black Church, the devil would appear. Near his home stood the Church of Ireland St Mary's also known as 'The Black Church' which inspired his autobiography 'Twice Round The Black Church'. Clarke was the son of the superintendent of the Waste Waterworks at Dublin Corporation. This excerpt from the programme includes a reading of his poem 'The Flock At Dawn'.Īustin Clarke now lives in Templeogue but spent his childhood at Mountjoy Street in Dublin's north inner city. To Austin Clarke, Ireland is still a land where God and Caesar are hand in glove. When he sees the neglect of poetry and art, he recalls that vision of a more generous and courageous society that Irish writers had once looked forward to. Austin Clarke reflects on Irish society past and present.Īustin Clarke describes the social ills under which the poor are living and regrets the failure of a republican ideal which he believes has been betrayed.
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