Shore Digger

A Collection of Poems by Robert Breen

Robert Breen

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English

Casco Bay Celtic Press
17 March 2025

Biography: general; Poetry; Emergency services

Shore Digger - A Poetic Journey of Irish Heritage, Boston Grit, and Timeless Resilience

Rooted in the rich traditions of Irish heritage and forged in the firehouse halls of Boston, Shore Digger is a deeply personal collection of poetry from Robert Breen - retired Boston firefighter, storyteller, and student of literary legend Seamus Heaney. These poems trace the immigrant journey from Ireland to America, capturing the struggles, sacrifices, and quiet victories of working-class lives.

Breen's verses move from the windswept coastlines of Maine to the smoky stairwells of burning buildings, blending historical reflection, personal memory, and lyrical craftsmanship. Shore Digger honors not only the poet's Irish-American roots but also the universal resilience found in hard labor, family rituals, and the enduring spirit of place.

With selections previously published in The Harvard Summer Review and recognized in multiple poetry competitions, this collection stands as a testament to the voices of those who dig deep - in the shore mud, in memory, and in the human heart.

Perfect for readers of Irish-American history, New England heritage, labor poetry, or those seeking authentic voices of resilience.

By: Robert Breen
Imprint: Casco Bay Celtic Press
Edition: 2nd ed.
Dimensions: Height: 216mm, Width: 140mm, Spine: 3mm
Weight: 77g
ISBN: 9798218488833
Pages: 56
Publication Date: 17 March 2025
Audience: General/trade , ELT Advanced
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Active

Robert Breen was born and raised in Boston, Massachusetts, where he served for decades as a Boston firefighter. His poetry is deeply rooted in Irish-American heritage, working-class life, and the storytelling traditions of New England. A graduate of the University of Massachusetts Boston, Breen honed his craft through Harvard University's Summer Writing Program and has been published in The Harvard Summer Review. His work has earned numerous awards, including the Joy of the Pen competition and the Margaret F. Tripp Poetry Award.Breen's writing reflects a lifelong friendship with Nobel Laureate Seamus Heaney, who celebrated Breen's fireman's helmet in his poem ""Helmet"" and considered Breen's work rich with personal voice and lyrical strength.He lives in Brunswick, Maine, with his wife, Karen, and continues to write about place, memory, and the endurance of ordinary people.

Reviews for Shore Digger: A Collection of Poems by Robert Breen

""The old Frost wizard would have relished that. It is beautifully and naturally constructed - the difficulty/challenge of repetitions managed with real style - but more important, there's a personal attitude, a tone of your own understanding in the whole thing."" - Seamus Heaney (on Scituate Beach - A Song of 1962)""2000 Harvard Summer Review - I'm happy to tell you that the judges unanimously decided to publish your poem which appears on page 72. Thanks very much for submitting your work to the Review; I congratulate you on its publication."" - Pat Bellanca, Ph.D., Director of Writing, Harvard University (on The Eighth Circle)