Donegal Suite

The poems in this collection are observances of the peaceful tranquility of Ireland. Irish-American author John McNamee searches for his "homeland" among the "wind and salt-spray" of the seacoast or a brilliant sunset over the water. He finds comfort in the Irish people; the compassion of a bar owner who lets a homeless man in, the solemn love that overcomes McNamee on a city bus. Written on the author's one-month tour of the Ireland, these poems express his appreciation for the heart of Ireland. John McNamee has been an inner-city priest for over 30 years. Working at Saint Malachy School and Parish in an impoverished neighborhood of Philadelphia, he has seen the worst side of city life. Yet despite his turbulent existence he has developed a quiet, serene demeanor that allows him to write such eloquent poetry. Donegal Suite is his second book of poetry; and he has also written a memoir of his time at Saint Malachy titled Diary of a City Priest. In 2003 his acclaimed memoir was made into a film, starring David Morse.