Cirrus@Austlit

'A frequent criticism of our political leaders is that they don't provide a bigger narrative, a deeper story that might give some sense of meaning, inspiration and direction to the populace.

An example of this sort of critique came from Paul Keating last week when interviewed about his recently published book, After Words, by Paul Kelly in The Australian. 'The failure of the Rudd and Gillard administrations,' he said, 'is the lack of an over-arching story, the lack of a compelling story.'

According to Eureka Street poetry editor Philip Harvey, it is the work of poets to delve into this deeper territory, and poetry provides perhaps the best means to explore and express deeper questions.' (p. 3)

'Noel Pearson's book, Up From the Mission: Selected Writings is more than worth a read. It is a shaker. In the Kimberley, we are feeling its impact on the ground.' (p. 26)