A new book of poetry from Kevin Ireland is always an event. This is particularly so of his 18th collection, Table Talk , as it follows the sudden death of his wife in 2007 (see How to Survive the Morning) . His new poems reflect the coming back to ordinary life and the importance of talk between friends. In Ireland's own words: 'The first group of these 56 new poems takes the form of a conversation between friends. The tone is open and robust - occasionally wry or comic, sometimes sardonic or grumpy. It's as if two people are catching up on observations and opinions while chatting casually at table before eating.' Then the tone changes. In wonder, hesitancy and initial disbelief, the poet writes of new love and new life. As Ireland himself says about this section of Table Talk : 'Then the wine is opened and the main course arrives. The mood changes, and the talk becomes hushed, warm and intimate.'