The Folger Shakespeare Library kicked off its 2011-2012 poetry series last night. Naturally, I attended (I actually invested in a subscription for the season – a deal, really, if you attend more than five of the eight events, which I certainly did last season).

I had not heard of the two Irish poets reading – Paula Meehan and Theo Dorgan – but surely part of the point of these things is to learn about new (to me) poets?

Of course, there is nothing quite like good poetry being read in a true Irish accent. Both poets talked about the song tradition in Ireland and Paula Meehan, in particular, was very musical in her reading style – though both were amazing readers and Dorgan, as he got into the swing of things, was a very engaging (and openly political) personality as he read.

Naturally, I purchased a book. I went for Greek by Theo Dorgan (don’t you love how the cover alludes to those inexpensive Dover publications of classic literature?)

Meehan was a beautiful reader, with mesmerizing sing-song intonations and a great ebb and flow to her speech. Her poetry is also peppered with alliterations which, to the ear, made for Emily Dickinson-like slant rhyme effect. Her poems were also often very sexual. Not explicit, but filled with sensual language and references to sexual activity (a field being described as having been the place of first “smokes, tokes and gropes” for example).

But I went for Dorgan for several reasons.

Firstly, the way his poems grew on him. Though not as obviously an appealing reader, he had a certain fiery, political passion that slipped out, as well a certain fumbling for meaning that fitted my sensibilities better. I also like his allusions to ancient Greek and Roman literature, with references to Odysseus (though he actually used the Roman formulation, Ulysses – fitting for a post-Joycean Irishman, no?) and Cicero. Yes, I am a sucker for that kind of thing (I’m reading the Cantos, aren’t I?).

Also, I do not comprehend things orally. By which I mean, when I read, I do not ‘hear’ the words in my head. The reverse, actually. When I listen, I ‘see’ the words written in my head.

Meehan, to me, sounded very much a poet who had to be read aloud to be properly appreciated (she even writes radio plays), while Dorgan, I feel, translates better to the page.

Dorgan was unfailingly polite when signing my book and spoke with me briefly about our mutual love of Cavafy and Seferis (he even admitted to having appropriated from Seferis).