Belfast Confetti is a collection of poetry by Ciaran Gerard Carson. It was initially published in January 1989 and later in December 1989 by Wake Forest University Press.
The collection is made up of long poems, prose, haiku, and lyrics. Born, raised, and educated in Belfast, Carson explores the intertwined neighborhoods of Belfast through his memories of growing up there. His words evoke a great feeling of belonging in this Belfast setting that is strange to the reader, but somehow feels so familiar. The poetry embodies the rich heritage of Northern Ireland through its language, art, and culture. As a scholar and musician, Carson evokes a deep understanding of Irish traditions in a more localized and grounded way.
Carson's poetry reads like history, as it's deeply embedded in the societal evolutions of Northern Ireland. A sense of isolation is prevalent, as it directly signals how Northern Ireland is isolated from the rest of Ireland and ruled by a monarchy that seeks to separate it from the rest. The poetry evokes a feeling of loneliness and desolation and profoundly showcases the empty and interlocked streets of Belfast.
As an arts officer for the Council of Northern Ireland, Carson had a firsthand role in peeling through the history of the region with an artistic mind that brings to life the essence of the Irish people. Carson is regarded in Irish history as a great poet who clearly represents the Irish traditional literature and music community with great pride and honor.
As the title suggests, Carson's poetry is all over the place, purposefully evoking confusion and chaos. This inherently explains the Northern Ireland society that has had chaos ingrained in its historical fabric, and despite that perseveres on unshaken and unbreakable.
