New Poetry Collection Draws on Isle of Man Childhood and Scenery

A new poetry anthology has been inspired by the landscapes, history, and folklore of the Isle of Man. Titled “From the Nab,” the collection was compiled by Manx poet David Callin, bringing together 70 of his poems written over the past 18 years. The book features a combination of general poems about the island and autobiographical narratives. Callin explained that the title references the hill farm where he and his sister grew up in the 1960s. Culture Vannin supported the project, providing £1,500 in funding. The collection also includes illustrations by artist Vicky Webb. Callin stated that he created the book because he had “accumulated” many poems over the years, and he “thought it would be good to bring the best Isle of Man ones together in one collection”. He noted that the collection explores the island’s “landscapes, its people, its history, its folklore and their effect on me”. He further added, “I like the idea of the Nab being a vantage point, a place with a good view.” The anthology was officially launched at an event held at the Peel Centenary Centre. Callin was joined by former Manx Bards Annie Kissack, John Callister, Stacey Astill, and Michael Manning, who shared readings from the book. The Director of Culture Vannin described Callin as a “fantastic poet,” remarking that the pieces were all linked to a “real sense of place on the Isle of Man.” She indicated that the grant was intended to bring work that took “decades” to create to a “wider audience.” She concluded that the grants awarded by the organization were “amplified” by an individual’s “skill, knowledge and understanding of this place and it really gives so much back to the island.” Readers can follow BBC Isle of Man on Facebook and X, or submit story ideas to IsleofMan@bbc.co.uk. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.