That’s Ireland

This is one of my favourite replies to a prank letter. On Friday I posted this prank letter that I sent to the Brandon Books, who had published the poetry of Michael D Higgins, with some proposed poems of my own. Here’s the marvelous reply that I got from Brandon Books: >>>

Reply from Brandon Publishers

Dear John Mackay,

Your comments and congratulations regarding Michael D. Higgins’ poetry were most gracious and we were flattered to receive them: would that the paying public always voiced its opinion with such eloquence!

We also note with interest the poetic flow which our book inspired in you, and can only urge you to greater effort in this respect.

May I suggest that you also consult the works of another of our authors, Donall MacAmhlaigh, particularly the story of poet and building labourer Schnitzer O’Shea, wherein he writes:

Am I
the I
I
think
I
am?

Capturing ‘a deep metaphysical notion… with the minimum of words’ [Fr. ALban O Galloglaigh, Maynooth Magazine], this poem is known to have a profound consciousness-raising effect when recited, mantra-like, in a deep dark room.

You might investigate the practicality of constructing a cellar in Salem House where you could practice chanting (allowing ample space for the expanding consciousness, naturally) and, indeed, why not importune Minister Higgins about getting tax concessions on this investment? Perhaps it could be sanctioned as Arts Infrastructure?

Yours very sincerely,
Peter Malone

Other Prank Letters

I’ll be posting prank letters or replies here every couple of days.