The Company of Horses

The Company of Horses is Peter Fallon's ?rst collection of original poems since News of the World: Selected and New Poems appeared in 1998. The Irish Times in its review of The Georgics of Virgil (2004) declared this book, taken in parts or as a whole, says “Glory to the world”. And the glory is renewed for our time in Peter Fallon's inspired translation.' These closely observed and patiently assembled poems continue that celebration and amplify that verdict. In a book of uncommon empathy the author considers the blessings of the whole green force of nature. There are hymns to family and friends, to the majesty of trees and other living creatures. Inevitable elegiac notes are woven into riffs of a collection that highlights beginnings and beginnings again. These life-affirming lyrics remain attentive to particular, cherished places — the author's Irish midlands home and a western retreat — all the while asserting common ground in the heart's affections and excitements.