Wild Grapes: Australian Poetry

Pages Needed

2007-11-11T12:38:00.000-08:00

Wikipedia has a list of Australian poets here. As you will see, there are a fair amount of pages still needed to be written, over 60 at the current count, so why not get stuck into them and get that number down?

Blake Poetry Prize 2008

2007-11-06T12:20:00.000-08:00

Deadline for entries: 27 June 2008

A new national poetry prize, the Blake Poetry Prize 2008, is calling for entries 'bliss, blasphemy and belief'. It is sponsored by the NSW Writers' Centre, the Blake Society and the Leichhardt Municipal Council. The Blake Society awards the annual Blake Prize for Religious Art. This initiative links visual art and literature, and offers new possibilities for poets to explore the nature of spirituality in the twenty-first century. Australian literary magazine Wet Ink will provide judges for the competition and publish the winner.

Interactive Publications Spring Season 2007

2007-10-30T13:23:00.001-07:00

IP Spring Season 07, Sydney: Meet the Authors!

Interactive Publications Pty Ltd is pleased to invite you to a special event.

Saturday 24 November 2007
Boardroom, NSW Writers Centre
Old Rozelle Hospital Grounds
Rozelle, NSW
from 2 pm

Join us to celebrate the launch of eight new IP titles and to celebrate IP’s 10th Anniversary! Now one of Australia ’s leading independent publishers, IP publishes under four imprints including our newest, IP Kidz.

We’ll have Spring Season authors like Mark O’Flynn and Jan Dean performing their work, as well as a host of Sydney IP authors from previous years.

Come along & enjoy!!

Mark O’Flynn
Jan Dean
Hal Judge
Paul Dawson
Rosemary Huisman
Jenni Nixon
David Reiter
Michael O’Sullivan
David Musgrave

RSVPs to: (07) 3122 1312 or info@ipoz.biz

Information courtesy of: The Poets' Union

Poets in the Vineyard

2007-10-29T13:14:00.000-07:00

Sunday 11 November
12.30-4pm
Poets in the Vineyard - 5th Edition.

Poets in the Vineyard is aimed at giving poets the chance to read their original work to an audience of other poets and an appreciative public. This is the fifth gathering. Previous afternoons have been a great success. People arrive and place their name with Janette, if they want to read. If you prefer, you can let her know beforehand of your intention to perform. The length of time you are allocated will depend on the number of poets who arrive on the day. –, the audience sits back and enjoys the fine food and beverage provided by Peter Hermann and his staff. or food, without missing any of the work

So for an afternoon of fine wine, good food and thought-provoking and amusing poetry join us at Tilba Valley Wines. It is definitely worth noting this down in your social calendar.

For information contact:

Peter Hermann - 44 737 308 or enquiries@tilbavalleywines.com

or

Janette Dadd - 44 738 033 or jdadd@iprimus.com.au.

Look forward to meeting you there.

Courtesy of The Poets Union.

Poetry reading

2007-10-25T14:36:00.001-07:00

Sam Wagan Watson reads poetry
Friday 26th October 6.30pm
Performance Space,
Building 3,
University of Technology Sydney
(Corner of Harris St. and Broadway. Entry on Harris St)

News courtesy: The Deletions

Poetry reading

2007-10-24T14:45:00.000-07:00

Coming up in November is a poetry reading with a difference. It's in a hair salon!

Chris Mansell has the relevant details here in The Empire of Larks, her blog. If you can make it, please do.

Recently Released

2007-10-23T14:37:00.000-07:00

Les Murray has a new edition of his Selected Poems. Black Inc. has published an updated edition of Selected Poems last month. It includes poems up to and including selections from The Biplane Houses.

Stylus Poetry Journal

2007-10-22T14:45:00.000-07:00

The latest issue of stylus Poetry Journal is now out at http://www.styluspoetryjournal.com/main/master.asp?id=75

Australian Poetry Slam 2007

2007-10-21T13:32:00.000-07:00

If you haven't tried it yet, why not check out the Australian Poetry Slam for 2007. They have a website at http://australianpoetryslam07.org/ and the finals will be held early in December, in Sydney, but the main thing is to be there and enjoy the poetry and other spoken word as it happens.

Australian Book Review Poetry Prize 2008

2007-10-20T14:44:00.000-07:00

The Australian Book Review Poetry Prize is now in its fourth year. Its first prize is now $3000, and all entries must be in by December 15 2007.

Fuller details can be found at the Australian Book Review website

Overland Magazine Judith Wright Poetry Prize for New and Emerging Poets

2007-10-20T14:36:00.000-07:00

Overland and the Malcolm Robertson Foundation are offering the Overland Magazine Judith Wright Poetry Prize for New and Emerging Poets for poets who are yet to have a collection professionally published. Prizes are $2000 and two of $250.

Deadline is Friday 2 November 2007, and details can be found at the following URL:

http://www.overlandexpress.org/poetry_prize.html

2007-09-24T23:51:00.000-07:00

Friday 5 October

You are invited to:

Audio interviews with poets and the collaborative poem online at www.redroomcompany.org from October 5th 2007

Launch of Art & About and poem projections at 6PM October 5th 2007, Customs House forecourt, Circular Quay, Sydney

Audio Time Capsule release live and digitally at 6PM October 5th 2030, Customs House forecourt, Circular Quay, Sydney

POETS AND SCHOOLS

Jane Gibian - Paddington Public School
Ed Wright - Ultimo Public School
Anna Kerdijk Nicholson - Glebe Public School
Bravo Child - Newtown Public School
Romaine Moreton - Bourke St Public School
Elena Knox - Plunkett St Public School
Brook Emery - Crown St Public School
Gareth Jenkins - St Mary’s Public School

Red Room Remains is an audio time capsule which stores 8 contemporary Australian poets’ visions of the poetic future. It will be released, online and in a public space, 23 years from now, in October 2030.

Each poet has contributed an original poem or series of statements about the state of poetry and language to the capsule, which is digitally archived. The capsule also features details about the everyday life and literary habits of each poet at the time of recording.

To accompany the audio capsule each poet has provided an object which will be stored in The Red Room to be opened in 2030, alongside the audio broadcasts.

The capsule is part of a project developed with The City of Sydney has which created eight poems for digital projection on The AMP Building, Circular Quay during Art & About 2 October 2007 – 21 October 2007.

These poems were jointly written by poets, selected by The Red Room Company, and students of 8 Sydney primary schools. These poems were illustrated by the students during a poetry workshop.

The eight poets were interviewed about their experiences in writing the collaborative poems, the content of which had to convey the children’s predictions of Sydney in 2030.

The audio interviews also contain recordings of the poem used in the digital projection.

The audio interviews and poets reading of their projected poem will be online at www.redroomcompany.org from 9AM on October 5th, 2007.

Live Poets at Don Bank

2007-09-24T23:43:00.000-07:00

Wednesday, 26 September

Live Poets at Don Bank, 6 Napier St North Sydney

Live Poets welcomes Kate MacLurcan and Ben Ezra.

As usual there is an Open Section where anyone can recite, sing, tell a story or play an instrument.

Doors Open 7.30 pm and $7 admission includes supper and drinks.

Further info: Danny Gardner 9896 6956 or dannylivepoets@yahoo.com.au

Tomorrow's PoeticA

2007-09-13T15:25:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow's edition of PoeticA on Radio National is dedicated to Jack, a verse novel by Judy Johnson that is "based around the pearl shell industry in the Torres Strait in the 1930s". (Quotation from the PoeticA website, which can be found
here.

Club Tap

2007-08-18T00:20:00.000-07:00

Club Tap
Every Thursday, 7-10 pm

A night of laughter, words & song with special guest MCs, featuring the SLAM COMP for poets, comedians & songwriters. Audience vote best of the night to enter the final to win $500 in prizes. $5/entry.
Tap gallery, 278 Palmer Street , Darlinghurst 9361 0440
TAP is proudly supported by The Alternative Media Group
www.tapgallery.org.au

Information kindly supplied by The Poet's Union

Book Launch

2007-08-18T00:19:00.001-07:00

Saturday 15 September
5.30 for 6pm

You are cordially invited to the launch of

The Sweeping Plain

by Michael Sharkey

The book will be launched by

Peter Kirkpatrick

atThe Friend in Hand Hotel, 58 Cowper Street, Glebe

ALL WELCOME

Poets Union Sunday Poetry Readings

2007-08-18T00:17:00.000-07:00

Sunday 26 August
Brett Whiteley Studio
2 Raper Street, Surry Hills
Poets Union Sunday Poetry Readings
4th Sunday of Each Month
2pm – 4pm
Featured Guest Poet and Open Mic
Free Entry
Enquiries: Brook Emery 0410 406 149

Marcella Polain – Marcella comes to us from Perth where she lectures in the Writing program at Edith Cowan University . She has been the poetry editor of Westerly and Blue Dog. Her first collection, Dumbstruck (FIP, 1996) won the Anne Elder Prize and her second, Each Clear Night (FIP, 2000) was short-listed for the WA Premier’s Prize. She has recently completed a third collection, Therapy Like Fish, and a novel, The Edge of the World.

Information courtesy of the Poets' Union.

Live Poets' Society

2007-08-18T00:16:00.000-07:00

Wednesday 22 August
Live Poets' Society

Calling all poets and musicians! It's your turn to have your say!
Live Poets' Society presents YESTERDAY'S WARNING: poets and singers responding to climate change + global warming – featuring irreverent singer/guitarist PAUL BUCKBERRY at Don Bank Museum 6 Napier St North Sydney on Wednesday, 22 August.
The night will be recorded for a possible cd/book release and participants are asked to bring along a copy of their poem or song. Doors open 7.30 pm and $7 admission includes supper and liquid refreshment.
Enquiries: Danny Gardner on 9896 6956 or Mobile : 0422 263 373 or at dannylivepoets@yahoo.com.au

Information courtesy of the Poets' Union

Wordjammin' @ Bar Me

2007-08-18T00:14:00.000-07:00

Tuesday 21 August
Wordjammin' @ Bar Me

Wordjammin' @ Bar Me is a night of poetry that gives voice to words and music by poets and musicians alike that features different guest poets and musicians each month. These artists will come together in a principally improvised format and the result can only be experienced if attended. An open mic is also housed. Wordjammin' @ Bar Me is on the third Tuesday of the month, 154 Brougham Street , Kings Cross. Doors open at 7.30pm for 8.00pm, $10.00. For more information contact Angela Stretch mobile: 0434 898 578 or email: info@wordjammin.com.
Information courtesy of: The Poet's Union.

Poetry Workshop

2007-08-01T23:36:00.001-07:00

PLAN TO BE PUBLISHED — POETRY WORKSHOP WITH LES WICKS

Saturdays 18 and 25 August, 10am - 4pm NSW Writers’ Centre, Rozelle NSWWC
Members $132, Members' Concession $110, Non-Members $198. GST inclusive.

Bring multiple copies of three poems, writing materials and lunch. Morning and afternoon tea are provided.

Of past such workshops given by Poets Union member Les Wicks, participants have commented:

Exceptional, supporting yet challenging, showing (and earning) respect, a privilege to attend this leader’s workshop;

As advertised now threatening, now encouraging but with a great deal of experience and insight which he shared generously;

There was also a really good mix of participants serendipity but fabulous;

contributed very generously great value for money;

I got more from two days with Les’ workshop than I did over a postgraduate year at university

LES WICKS is widely published both in Australia and overseas, an accessible poet with seven collections to his name. He's been involved in dozens of editing projects over his 30 years as a writer and has done his popular workshops from Hobart to Byron Bay to Broken Hill.

Enquiries ring 9555 9757

New Monthly Poetry Gig

2007-08-01T23:33:00.000-07:00

A new monthly poetry gig in Sydney !!!!

Jack Peck has started up WordinHand at The Friend in Hand.

Should be a fun night so bring your friends along and nibble some new words...

WordinHand at The Friend in Hand58 Cowper St Glebe 9960 2326
$5 DonationTuesday August 7 - 7:30 for 8:00 pm

This month WordinHand is delighted to feature two of Sydney's foremost Spoken Word performers...Tom Jack of Hearts and Bravo Child

Thomas and Bravo have an international reputation for lyrical, rhythmic and wincingly beautiful performance poetry and storytelling.Working in a tandem set, Tom and Bravo combine their creative strengths to deliver new delights! Plus, a Mystery Guest!

Open Mike

Have you written something and want it out there?This month and most months from now on, WordinHand has several opportunities for new work to be presented.Signup at the door. Supportive environment for new as well as experienced poets.

SLAM

The evening closes with a high-energy SLAM, led by Tom Jack of Hearts.Audience participation (and how!)Signup at the door.First Prize: Bottle of wine PLUS a 5 minute set of your own next month! Second Prize: $20.

Poetry Book Launch

2007-08-01T23:31:00.000-07:00

You are cordially invited to the launch of

Uncommon Light
By
Brook Emery

To be launched by Martin Langford at
Gleebooks, 49 Glebe Point Road , Glebe
On
Saturday 11 August, 2.30 for 3 pm

All Welcome Refreshments provided

Island Press PO Box 1015 Carlton 3053 Email: rpretty@unimelb.edu.au or phone 03 8344 8713

Poetry Book Launch

2007-08-01T23:30:00.001-07:00

The Giramondo Publishing Company warmly invites you to the launch of

Ardent

the new poetry collection by

Jane Gibian

to be launched by
Adam Aitken
on Sunday 5 August
3.30 for 4 pm
upstairs at Gleebooks
49 Glebe Point Rd
Glebe

RSVP: 9660 2333
Giramondo Publishing from the Writing & Society Research Group at the University of Western Sydney www.uws.edu.au/research/writingandsociety

Poetry without Borders

2007-08-01T23:26:00.000-07:00

Poetry Without Borders

National Poetry Week Event
Sunday 2 September

Be part of a poetry reading with Chris Wallace Crabbe, Ouyang Yu, Judith Beveridge and Boey Kim Cheng.

Poetry Without Borders reading celebrates our cultural diversity during
National Poetry Week. The proposed date will be 2/9/07 at 1.30 for 2pm and the venue will be Customs House Library.

If you feel inspired by this theme send your expressions of interest to the Poets Union.
They are looking for another 5 poets or so to complete the line-up.
Submit 3-5 poems with a short bio to the Poets Union, PO Box 91 Balmain NSW 2041 or email to poetsunion@optusnet.com.au by August 10
Please include all contact details including your email address.
This event is sponsored by

Poets Union Inc. * Mascara Poetry Zine * City of Sydney

City of Perth Library Haiku Competition

2007-07-07T00:23:00.000-07:00

Haiku competition 2007 at City of Perth Library 573 Hay St. Perth

HAIKU and SENRYU will be accepted.

Entries must be previously unpublished.

Entries are limited to 5 per entrant and must all be on the one A4 size paper, with the name of the poet included at the bottom of this page.

A separate accompanying sheet must have name and address, telephone contact or email address, and list the first line of each poem submitted.

Font size to be at least 22pt. Any font style is acceptable.

Entries will be judged purely on the text. Any pictures or other decoration must fit on the one A4 page with the haiku (maximum number 5). Email entries must be sent in the form of a Word document attachment as detailed above.

Entries close Monday 24 September 2007.

Send entries to GPO Box C120 Perth 6839
or drop in to City of Perth Library
573 Hay St , Perth .

Haiku can be sent by email to library_perth@cityofperth.wa.gov.au

Courtesy of HaikuOz -- the Australian Haiku Society

Spinifex reviewed by Martina Taeker

2007-07-07T00:20:00.000-07:00

Martina Taeker has a review of Spinifex published in the latest issue of Famous Reporter. You can read it online at: http://www.walleahpress.com.au/b25/index.php?s=Taeker

Courtesy of HaikuOz: the Australian Haiku Society

Regional Representative for WA appointed

2007-07-06T01:19:00.000-07:00

Courtesy of the Australian Haiku Society:

The Australian Haiku Society (HaikuOz) is delighted to announce the appointment of Maureen Sexton as Regional Representative for Western Australia.

For two consecutive years Maureen worked with the City of Perth Library to produce a haiku ‘wall’ event. In recent times her own haiku have been published in The Heron's Nest, Famous Reporter, Stylus Poetry Journal and FreeXpression.

Western Australian poets interested in haiku should contact Maureen in the first instance through HaikuOz secretary Graham Nunn secretary@haikuoz.org
Beverley George
President on behalf of the committee

New Release: Stepping Stones

2007-07-03T00:28:00.000-07:00

New Release: Stepping Stones by Janice M. Bostok
The latest book release of Janice Bostok has been called 'an extended haibun' by its publisher. It is the story in verse and prose of her feelings and time spent raising a profoundly handicapped son.

Details of the book and how to order it are available from PostPressed: www.postpressed.com.au

Details courtesy of Haiku Oz: The Australian Haiku Society-- http://www.haikuoz.org/

Two Fires Festival

2007-03-21T22:42:00.000-07:00

Two Fires Festival

30 March -1 April 2007
Braidwood

This uniquely adventurous festival explores and celebrates the ongoing relevance of Judith Wright’s legacy as a poet, conservationist and indigenous rights activist. This year’s theme is Identity and Environment: Taking up the Challenge.

Guest writers include Bronwyn Lea, Samuel Wagan Watson, Louise Crisp, Roger McDonald, Kim Mahood, Jackie French, Peter Hay, Martin Langford, Mohsen Soltani, Susan Hampton, Fadeel Kayat.

Panels and readings: ‘Writing the Land’, ‘Writers and Activism’, ‘Reaching across Cultures’.

Haiku on the Hoof, Random Acts of Poetry, Walks around ‘Edge’, Judith Wright’s former home, Poets’ Breakfast, a Writing Marathon plus more.

Environment and Identity Dialogues with key speakers (see website)

Satire + Activism with Martin Wesley-Smith and Ros Dunlop (audio visual works) and Harry Laing (a satirical broadside ballad).

Indigenous stream; many music events; women writing and ideas forums; talks on alternative farming and energy conservation and more…

see www.twofiresfestival.com for details.

Details courtesy of the Poets Union.

Poems in Conversation

2007-03-21T22:37:00.000-07:00

Live Poets' Society

7:30 pm Wednesday, 28th March
Don Bank, 6 Napier St, North Sydney

POEMS IN CONVERSATION

Six of Sydney's leading poets interact in a vivid exchange exploring pathos, poignancy, irony and beauty.

Featuring: Margaret Bradstock, Joanne Burns, Kerry Leves, David Musgrave, Jenni Nixon, Louise Wakeling.

There is also an Open Section where anyone can recite, sing, tell a story or play an instrument.

$7 admission includes supper and liquid refreshment.

Further enquiries: Danny Gardner (02) 9896-6956 or dannylivepoets@yahoo.com.au

Information courtesy of the Poet's Union

Poets Union Sunday Poetry Readings

2007-03-21T22:24:00.000-07:00

2 pm Sunday 25 March
Brett Whiteley Studio at 2 Raper Street, Surry Hills

Poets Union Sunday Poetry Readings

Featured Guests and Open Mic
$7/$5 conc.

For enquiries phone Brook Emery (0410) 406-149

Featured poet: Mal McKimmie.

Information courtesy of the Poets Union.

Blast

2007-02-07T13:42:00.000-08:00

Literary magazine, Blast, now has a website, http://www.annsverandah.com/blast/ Editor Ann Nugent tells me poems from Blast were selected for publication in the two annual Australian 'Best of ' anthologies for 2006.

Blast is now receiving subscriptions for 2007, $20 for two issues (March and September) includes postage. Address subscriptions to Ann Nugent, PO Box 134, Campbell ACT, 2612, cheques payable to 'Blast'.

Deadlines for contributions of poetry and prose are 31 January and 31 August. Contributions should be sent to the address above. For more information see 'Guidelines' http://www.annsverandah.com/blast

Eucalypt: a tanka journal

2007-01-27T22:16:00.000-08:00

Eucalypt: a Tanka Journal, Australia's first literary journal dedicated to tanka, is now available.

Go to: http://www.eucalypt.info/

Poets Take a Swipe at Hallmark

2006-11-29T21:39:00.000-08:00

Award winning poets Carolyn Howard-Johnson and Magdalena Ball have teamed up to produce a book of love poetry which is anything but syrupy. The poems explore love from a variety of angles, and offers mature, deep, reflective sentiment for those who want to say something a little richer, a little deeper than simply "I love you."

According to Joyce Mishaan, Associated Content Producer, "It’s a rough world and it’s easy to look around and feel that love is nothing more than a hopeless cliché." Cherished Pulse moves beyond those clichés, and explores real love -- the kind of love that may take many years to build. No pussyfooting. No excuses. It's a sensual, beautiful book which can be read again and again.

Of the collection, Howard-Johnson, author of This is the Place, Harkening: A Collection of Stories Remembered, and a poetry collection Tracings, says : "I think there is a market for stuff that doesn't look and feel like Hallmark. I can never find a Hallmark that reads what I'd like to say."

The chapbook is a miracle made possible by the net; the two poets hail from different continents, Ball from Australia and Howard-Johnson from California, USA.

Cherished Pulse, a book of unconventional love poetry, is offered as an e-book, and costs less than a single paper card. It may be printed, and can be combined with a rose or a piece of jewelry for a superb gift.

Magdalena Ball is the author of the poetry collection Quark Soup and her novel Sleep Before Evening is due for publication early in 2007.

Cherished Pulse also has original paintings by artist Vicki Thomas. For more information on Cherished Pulse, visit http://www.compulsivereader.com/html/images/cherishedpulse.htmor contact maggieball@compulsivereader.com
Learn more about Ball at http://www.compulsivereader.com/
Find information on Howard-Johnson at http://carolynhoward-johnson.com and on Thomas at http://www.vickithomasartist.com/

National Centre a Major Boost for Australian Poetry

2006-11-26T21:29:00.000-08:00

Australia is set to get its first national poetry centre thanks to the support of Australian copyright management company, Copyright Agency Limited (CAL).

CAL is providing an initial sum of $140,800 to assist the Poetry Australia Foundation in establishing the Australian Poetry Centre at historic Glenfern, East St Kilda.

CAL is a not-for-profit, member-based organisation, whose role is to provide a bridge between creators and users of copyright material.

"For the first time, poetry will have a fully professional organisation, enabling it to take its rightful place among the major art forms," said Ron Pretty AM, Director, Poetry Australia Foundation.

"You only need to look at the popularity of poetry readings, writing courses and competitions to see just how big poetry is in Australia."

"The interest and energy in Australian poetry is there. What the Australian Poetry Centre will do is focus and co-ordinate that energy to further stimulate the growth of, and interest in, Australian poetry here and overseas."

The centre will coordinate a series of programs including organising tours, workshops and promotional activities for Australian poetry, and forging links with overseas poetry organisations and other writing organisations within Australia. The centre will also work to improve the teaching of poetry in schools and tertiary institutions and assist in the publication of Australian poetry by developing a national system of distribution.

CAL Chair Brian Johns says the centre will pay particular attention to the needs of poetry organisations in regional areas throughout Australia.

"This will be a national centre, built to serve the interests of all established and budding Australian poets - from the bush to the urban poet," said Brian Johns.

A Director will be appointed to run the centre with the assistance of a Board of Management headed by leading Australian poet Chris Wallace-Crabbe in early 2007.

Courtesy of the Poetry Australia Foundation website <http://www.poetryaustraliafoundation.org.au/index.html>.

Poetry Reading

2006-11-20T22:06:00.000-08:00

Laurie Duggan Poetry reading

6 December 2006 6:30 pm-7:30 pm
MCAS - Menzies Centre for Australian Studies, The Australia Centre, Cnr Strand & Melbourne Place, London WC2B 4LG

Web site: http://www.kcl.ac.uk/schools/humanities/menzies/events/seminars.html#Dec
Contact: Dr Catherine Kevin Tel 44 (0) 20 7557 7161 - Catherine.Kevin@kcl.ac.uk

A Poetry Launch

2006-11-20T21:20:00.000-08:00

You are invited to join us to celebrate the launch of the PostPressed Spring 2006 poetry list
Friday 24 November 2006
6.30 for 7pm
Red Chamber Parliament House
Cnr George and Alice Streets Brisbane

Tim Collins Along the Lip's Edge
'Collins has considerable descriptive powers and an originality of viewpoint not unlike some of the English Martian poets Š a striking denseness of imagery and ingenuity of observation Š' Geoff Page

Liz Hall-Downs My Arthritic Heart
'A good part of this collection is about the poets' struggle with debilitating rheumatoid arthritis that when coupled with poverty and inhumanity is a hard call.' Coral Hull

John Knight big man catching a small wave
'This is a tender collection of graceful haiku ever hopeful in their sadness and their joy'
Jeff Harpeng

Willie Bach Picking mangoes that are still green'
'Willy 'speaks from the wound' - he writes very angry, passionate lines that he hopes will make us all stop and consider the full implications of war.' Drew Hutton will read a selection of poetry from the book

Wendy Morgan Tiding Us Over
'The intellectual and the physical worlds interleave in a satisfying way: ideas and images ripple across each other and take on new forms.' Susan Hampton
and

Cathouse Creek
roots-blues-mountain music
Kim Downs - guitar & vocals
Liz Hall-Downs - vocals and bush bass
Gary Nunn - piano accordion and vocals

wine, nibbles, tea and coffee RSVP 3254 2056

(Courtesy Queensland Writing <http://queenslandwriting.blogspot.com/>

rob walker's Micromacro

2006-10-28T02:22:00.000-07:00

rob walker, Micromacro (West Lakes, SA : Seaview Press, 2006) ISBN 978-174008-415-4.

Sometimes, it is difficult to start a review. The poems may be good, they may vary, but it may also be hard to find an angle into a collection, to talk about them passionately yet with a balanced outlook. You could say that you like a collection. As I do with rob walker's Micromacro. But there will come some caveat, perhaps.

I have one such caveat. The poems are, simply, uneven. Where they work, they demonstrate a clear voice, and a sensibility that is a token of rob's presence. He demonstrates, in such poems as "Love at the Physio" and "Slater", a clear sense of who is is what his poems are. He is, simply, a good, enjoyable poet. But his weaker poems, though technically not too dissimilar, read as poems that have appeared time and again. They fail to capture that voice: "Cut up/Rearrange", for example, aims at wit, but it is, ultimately, a tired wit. "Catsyntax" attempts to convey the sense of another life's thoughts, but it reminds us, too obviously, of Murray's more successful "Translations from the Natural World" sequence. We have seen these experiments before, and they lose their vividness and uniqueness as a result.

There is a Biblical verse, which runs along the line of "there is nothing new under the sun." And it is effectively right for the most part. But Micromacro, at its best, reminds us that, although we may have read similar poems (similar technically at least), they are unique here, now. What rob walker achieves is a sense of the contemporary, in his best work, and a sense of where and what the world contains for us. He enables us to see our world in his own way when he works at his best.

Micromacro does this by concentrating in large part upon the external world. "Slater", which I've already mentioned, is one such example. The line "rolypoly armadillo armies" works so well. Aside from the phonic level, with its combination of rhyme, assonance, alliteration and consonance, its metaphoric equivalence of the slaters to the largr, more overt armadillos is an organic metaphor that seizes at the imagination. We approach the microscopic, the detritus-dwelling insects, for example, through the macroscopic.

And this relationship, between what is greater and what is smaller, helps inform Micromacro and its wider themes (as should be evident from the title itself). It helps unify the book into a coherent collection, although such a coherency is hampered by the unevenness of the poems' quality. Yet, although Micromacro is a flawed book, in this regard, it is nonetheless an enjoyable and rewarding work. rob walker demonstrates clear promise here, and it is to be hoped that he continues writing. He has ability and Micromacro is proof of this. At the very least, obtain a copy, read it, and consider it. rob, like many other poets, deserves this chance to open up our world to us, and he does this with his best poems in this collection.

Society of Women Writers Victoria Biennial Literary Seminar

2006-10-10T23:55:00.000-07:00

Society of Women Writers Victoria Biennial Literary Seminar: inspiration for writers.

Date 10-12 November 2006
Brahma Kumaris Centre Frankston South.

Bookings must be made by the end of October.

Enquiries: (03) 9427 7579

An hour of Poetry!

2006-10-09T23:34:00.000-07:00

Calling all poets and lovers of poetry.

You are cordially invited to come and meet poet and novelist Magdalena Ball, who will read from her latest book Quark Soup and talk about the art and relevance of modern poetry.

“These poems require a kind of mental ferocity that knows no compromise, a reaching for the very top, comparable in spirit to the early works of Picasso.” Egon H.E. Lass, Alternate-Read.com

* Network with fellow poets and writers
* Take part in the question and answer session
* Enjoy yourself
* Spaces are limited and prebookings essential

Phone: (02) 4973 1248

11th October 2006, 10:00am
Morisset Public Library, 39 Yambo Street, Morisset

For more information on Quark Soup visit: http://www.compulsivereader.com

Quark Soup (review) by Magdalena Ball

2006-10-05T22:06:00.000-07:00

Magdalena Ball, Quark Soup (Warners Bay, NSW : Picaro Press, 2006) ISBN 1-920957-23-5 $7.

Science is not immiscible with poetry. Ms Ball reminds of this in many of the poems in Quark Soup. Throughout this chapbook, imagery of physics and astrophysics combine with poetic skill to create a memorable introduction to a young poet's career. And the result is well worth a further acquaintance.

This collection of twenty-seven poems starts well, with "Whorl". Here, the confluence of the themes of humanity, or life, and space combine. This is evident in the lines

The whorl
where superfine hair grows
like one of those spiral galaxies

for example. The scientific themes and imagery continue: there is quantum physics, "Quantum Quirk", the moon and planetary bodies ("Moon Fountains" and "Venus Returns", and "Planet X") among other scientific imagery. One such poem that has a haunting effectiveness is "Aurora", whose following lines feel impressed into my skin:

The glowing red, green and purple curtain of light
waved above you like the God of your dreams
benevolent, present,
anything but impersonal.

As a result, Quark Soup works best with this scientific vision, albeit one broad enough to encompass biology and astrophysics. Those poems that work least well eschew this vision, and, unfortunately, work against the chapbook's unity. Thin collections of poetry, such as Quark Soup, rely on that unity of focus. That it hasn't been maintained here works against the collection as a whole.

Despite that, there is enough here worth a reader's interest. If Quark Soup is a flawed collection, it is not too flawed. The best poems reveal much about Ms Ball's qualities as a poet. She is well worth further acquaintanceship, and Quark Soup is an excellent introduction. It would be heartening to see further evidence of Ms Ball's abilities as a poet. As she works towards a full-length collection, and even beyond, it is worth your time to maintain an eye on her career. She holds promise; Quark Soup is evidence of this.

Quark Soup can be purchased here:

http://www.compulsivereader.com/html/images/quarkindex.htm

"Song of the Rain" by Hugh McCrae

2006-09-30T00:30:00.000-07:00

Song of the Rain

Night,
and the yellow pleasure of candle-light....
old brown books and the kind, fine face of the clock
fogged in the veils of the fire - it's cuddling tock.

The cat,
greening her eyes on the flame-litten mat;
wickedly, wakeful she yawns at the rain bending the roses over the pane,
and a bird in my heart begins to sing
over and over the same sweet thing--

Safe in the house with my boyhood's love
and our children asleep in the attic above.

Hugh McCrae

micromacro by rob walker

2006-09-26T23:34:00.001-07:00

South Australian poet rob walker has just released micromacro , a collection of quirky poems based on rob’s unique perspective on the world.

“Daytime teacher and night-time poet” rob walker has had his poems published widely in poetry journals, anthologies, websites and other media in Australia and overseas, including Best Australian Poems 2005 (ed. Les Murray), ABC radio’s poeticA, the CD Going Down Swinging #23 and a collection sparrow in an airport, (Friendly Street NEW POETS TEN.) In 2005 he co-edited THIRTY, Friendly Street Poets’ Thirtieth annual poetry anthology. He teaches music and drama at Woodcroft Primary School and lives in Cherry Gardens with his wife and “one and a half of his three children.”

“These poems are the pick of my work over the past 3-4 years” says rob. The collection’s a kind of continuous macrozoom on subjects from molecules to millipedes to animals, including the human ones. There’s social and political commentary, my emotional response to kids I’ve taught – and, I hope, humour. Poetry shouldn’t be academic. It should be accessible to all.”

rob walker’s micromacro has already won the City of Onkaparinga’s inaugural 2006 Poetry Unhinged Prize for the Best Single Collection of a local poet. Along with Seaview Press, Salmat and the SA Writers’ Centre, Onkaparinga helped to finance publication of the book.

Other SA poets have been generous with their praise for the collection.

Mike Ladd, poet and presenter of ABC Radio National’s poeticA says "Whether he’s focussing on the minute worlds of insects or big political themes, rob walker’s poetry is witty, incisive and nicely attuned to the ‘mouthfeel’ of language. His black sense of humour is a bonus.”

Prolific local poet Graham Rowlands adds “walker grabs you by the scruff of the neck and pulls you up through a chemical mosaic of earth and ocean until you confront your earliest evolutionary ancestors. Then there are insects, spiders, birds, cats – and the human race. Are people any better than the earlier life forms, the poet asks. In reply he reserves much of his compassion for the young and the old caught in a – web? – of political and commercial institutions. In a variety of old and new forms, walker finds a wide range of subjects variously eliciting his wit, concern, outrage or empathy. He achieves memorable poems through a combination of startling visual imagery and a dialogue with language itself.”

Jan Owen, the Aldinga writer whose poetry and work in Creative Writing education has taken her to many cities of the world has the final word:

“rob walker combines sharp perception, compassion and humour to create crisp intersections of time and place. Airy shortcuts, sensuous imagery, and a warm sympathy combine in poems that range from insect life to human relationships, from landscape to love.”

micromacro is available online from http://seaviewpress.com.au or direct from the poet at http://www.users.bigpond.com/robwalker1

"Because She Would Ask Me Why I Loved Her" by Christopher Brennan

2006-09-25T23:55:00.000-07:00

Because She Would Ask Me Why I Loved Her

If questioning would make us wise
No eyes would ever gaze in eyes;
If all our tale were told in speech
No mouths would wander each to each.

Were spirits free from mortal mesh
And love not bound in hearts of flesh
No aching breasts would yearn to meet
And find their ecstasy complete.

For who is there that lives and knows
The secret powers by which he grows?
Were knowledge all, what were our need
To thrill and faint and sweetly bleed?

Then seek not, sweet, the "If" and "Why"
I love you now until I die.
For I must love because I live
And life in me is what you give.

Christopher Brennan

"Quantum Quirk" by Magdalena Ball

2006-09-24T23:50:00.000-07:00

Quantum Quirk

Ten thousand miles away
another continent
a different life
the push pull effect is still clear
weird action at a distance
Einstein called it
quantum quirk
we're neither together nor apart
your cut hurts my finger
your failure breaks my heart.

In the quantum world of our
drifted lives
entanglement between us remains
giving mass to my
insubstantial body.

Your face is foggy
with time and distance
the downward draw of gravity
distorting the image
in our mutual mirrors.

Beyond the melting edges of the present
our tiny lives are frozen
in quantum
superposition
love-not love
both here and there
mine and not mine
alive forever and
already dead.

© Magdalena Ball, (originally published in <http://www.compulsivereader.com/html/images/quarkindex.htm> QuarkSoup / Picaro Press, September, 2006)

"Dreams" by Victor Daley

2006-09-23T22:50:00.000-07:00

Dreams

I have been dreaming all a summer day
Of rare and dainty poems I would write;
Love-lyrics delicate as lilac-scent,
Soft idylls woven of wind, and flower, and stream,
And songs and sonnets carven in fine gold.

The day is fading and the dusk is cold;
Out of the skies has gone the opal gleam,
Out of my heart has passed the high intent
Into the shadow of the falling night--
Must all my dreams in darkness pass away?

I have been dreaming all a summer day:
Shall I go dreaming so until Life's light
Fades in Death's dusk, and all my days are spent?
Ah, what am I the dreamer but a dream!
The day is fading and the dusk is cold.

My songs and sonnets carven in fine gold
Have faded from me with the last day-beam
That purple lustre to the sea-line lent,
And flushed the clouds with rose and chrysolite,
So days and dreams in darkness pass away.

I have been dreaming all a summer day
Of songs and sonnets carven in fine gold;
But all my dreams in darkness pass away
The day is fading, and the dusk is cold.

Victor Daley

"a forty nine year old child sees his first bumblebee" by rob walker

2006-09-22T23:33:00.000-07:00

a forty nine year old child sees his first bumblebee
kew gardens, march 2003

surely this is nature's joke?
aerodynamic enigma

fat tumbling furball of
black mohair mumbling

sotto lobby
of delegates.

it disappears into a
crocus (there! suck i!)

soundz the hazard
buzzer, reversez

is this for real?!
MMMMM…. it repliezzz

waddling off through air in
its woollen tigers Guernsey

© rob walker, (originally published in sparrow in an airport, New Poets Ten, Friendly Street / Wakefield Press, March, 2005)

"Opus 2220" by Phillip A. Ellis

2006-09-22T19:02:00.000-07:00

Weeping
willows are black
against the dark and far
horizon. Silhouettes are fair,
and strange.