Cirrus@Austlit

'A haibun sequence, in which prose and haiku are combined to form a compelling autobiographical statement. This is a highly sustained, reflective work about the self and the state.' (Publication summary)

'‘Any door will do when your life is in danger.’ With unflinching focus, these poems—written mostly in fourteen lines—depict the plight of those seeking asylum in Australia.' (Publication summary)

'‘A Modesty of Flowers’, a sequence in lines of nine syllables, is followed by a selection from ‘Dark Convicts’ (in thirteen-syllable lines), chronicling the fates of First Fleet African American ex-slaves.' (Publication summary)

'Borroloola Class is painterly, resonant, songlike, a beautifully crafted collection of poems expressing deep-felt gratitude to, and respect for, the Borroloola mob, many of the poems here dedicated to the Borroloola people. There is a conversational intimacy that imbues this collection with warmth and energy, commencing with the story of Hall being made a Gudanji friend and then walking through Country with deep reverence. Phillip Hall uses a variety of poetic forms and expressions articulating complex issues of place theory, postcolonialism and ecocriticism. There is exhilaration and vitality in the flow and cadence of the language, a celebration of being on Country, of kinship and friendship. Lyrical imagery is interspersed with bare boned honesty about the damages of corporate greed. Hall’s poetry upholds the abiding presence of the lore and law of Country and its people, expressed so eloquently.' (Publication summary)

'In Air Variations Jennifer Harrison offers beautifully crafted reflections and reveries, quietly spoken images, descriptions and observations of daily life: gardening, relationships, family, friends, ageing and illness. Through a precise use of poetic form and incisive imagery, these ‘twenty-two ephemera’ probe beneath the surface, leaving the reader with a feeling of loss, loneliness and lament. The quotidian is taken up with careful, tender thoughtfulness, discovering rather than defining, seeking answers but allowing the answers to change, to fly free, to not settle too hard and fast. A gentle curiosity pervades the collection, inviting a contemplation of the liminal.' (Publication summary)

'Everyone Will Have a Birthday showcases a range of Glyn Maxwell's poems and songs written for theatre and opera. Witty, satirical and occasionally bawdy this collection is all about song, a celebration of song and of the song within poetry. It's assuring to know, that in such uncertain times, everyone will have a birthday, so tune your pipes, kick up your heels and prepare to indulge in some musical cheer.' (Publication summary)