Cirrus@Austlit

'This anthology comprises poems written about the particularities of nature in Australia and Japan, together with the multi-faceted emotions engendered thereby.

'Japanese people cherish the tanka form as much now as they did in ancient times. And for English-speaking people, this anthology will provide an excellent way of experiencing tanka as English poetry.

'Composed by poets in Australia and Japanese, the tanka within these pages reveal previously unknown aspects of the natural world, while also enabling mutual understanding of shared feelings between the two countries.

'They may be brief, but these poems will leave deep reverberations in their readers' hearts and minds.' (Publication summary)

'Poet and artist Saeko Ogi's latest collection, Rock by the Roadside, features an array of Japanese poems in translation, with the assistance of Amelia Fielden, and travels from her life in Japan to her more recent experiences in Australia. There is peace to be found in gardens and many tanka dotted throughout this collection illustrate how Saeko—who is living on the banks of a lake—is inspired by her environment.'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'‘This book showcases the tanka of four contemporary Japanese poets. It emerges at a time when global interest in the genre is flourishing and it offers guidelines and inspiration by example for those who read and write this genre in English. Its editor, Saeko Ogi, has selected the contributors carefully. The poetic voices of two men and two women of diverse ages, backgrounds and interests come together in unity but retain individuality. Their writing demonstrates just how effectively this diminutive genre can document our lives, address humanitarian concerns, and home in on the essence of all we experience or observe. When shared, they can promote harmony and understanding around the world.’ - Beverley George' (Published 1 October 2018)

'A vibrant bilingual collaboration between Australian and Japanese poets celebrating the connection between the twin cities Canberra and Nara and comparing aspects of life in each place.'  (Publication summary)

'A unique bilingual production, this anthology celebrates, in tanka poetry, the vibrant literary relationship between Australia and Japan. The book is in two sections: the first section comprises 105 tanka written in English by 55 Australian poets, together with Japanese translations. The second section showcases 94 original Japanese tanka, by 77 Japanese poets, plus English translations. The overarching theme of the tanka from both countries is 'music' (Publication summary)