For now I just sit and cry,
and keep my eyes open.
For, as soon as I close them,
I can see where my demons reside.
Life in the Dark Lane is Dónal Smyth’s first book of poetry. The personal theme of this honest and forthright collection touches on how chronic pain, coupled with suicidal depression, is diminished by finding love again. His personal struggles give rise to some dark poems in this book, questioning life in the ‘dark lane’. But after darkness can come light, and many such inspirational poems are represented here.
Dónal Smyth is a native of Dalkey, Co. Dublin and currently resides in Gorey, Co. Wexford. He grew up in a small cottage on the pier of Bulloch Harbour, and several of his poems, inspired by the sea and living near a working harbour, have helped to lighten the mood of this important collection.
Dónal finds writing poetry helps him gather his thoughts and distract his mind. The sincerity of the poems in Life in the Dark Lane will, no doubt, impart confidence and hope to others with similar life struggles.