TC/1315

Anthology of poetry with messages of hope

THE innermost thoughts and feelings of young children from Dunblane in Scotland, voluntary workers in Wales, and everyday local folk are to be found among the pages of a new anthology of poetry, "Love is Still Among Us".
Written in memory of those who died in the August 15 bomb in Omagh, the anthology is the culmination of a simple wish by a local woman to achieve something positive from the evil which visited the town last year.
The poems were collected by 24-year-old Joanna Grant, who works at the Oxfam shop in High Street, following an appeal for contributions to the book.
The result is the publishing of around 50 poems as well as messages of hope and solidarity from Oxfam shop volunteers around the world.
The book, which is illustrated throughout with flowers, was printed free of charge by Plough Publishing House, at Darvell Bruderhof, Roberts-bridge, East .Sussex.
"A few weeks after the bomb, the Plough sent one of their books of hope and healing to the staff of Oxfam here in Omagh.
"It was so gentle and filled with love, that after reading it I decided to write to them and ask if they might be able to help me do something with the small collection of poetry I had collected.
"I did not know what I could do as an ordinary and hurting 24-year-old, but I knew I was prepared to give from every part of my heart," she said.
Following a visit to the Christian community in England, and after a lot of effort by the people involved on both sides, the book came together.
Priced at £4, all proceeds from the anthology will be divided between Tyrone County Hospital and Oxfam.
The anthology, a limited first edition of 500 copies which features poetry by Joanna, is available over the counter at Omagh's Oxfam shop, Omagh Community Church and the Carlisle Bookshop.
If there is sufficient demand a second edition will be published locally.
"I stand outside of Oxfam, And tears they freely flow, remembering the sights and screams, that none should ever know. Today we will remember, But also look ahead, for peace and love are tribute best, for all those good now dead."
Joanna Grant, Saturday, August 22, 1998.