TWO CONTRASTING COLLECTIONS OF VERSE

FROM TWO TALENTED POETS

Tapa Talk

Serie Barford Huia $22

When you cut x-rays

They utter a peculiar cry

But starfish split silently

Make more of themselves

To fill up empty spaces

Something the lonely could do.

This collection of poetry explores the separation of and connections between people, places, and cultures. Barford has Samoan, European & Algonquin Indian ancestry and as far as I can see this is her first collection of verse to be published in book form although her poetry has appeared in anthologies, journals and electronic media.

MAKING LISTS FOR FRANCES HODGKINS

Paula Green AUP

A new collection from this now-established poet, Making Lists for Frances Hodgkins is a poetic memoir in the light of art. It follows on from Paula Green's previous solo poetry collection, Crosswind, which included collaborations with artists. Making Lists for Frances Hodgkins was inspired by an invitation from the Auckland City Art Gallery to talk about their 2005 Frances Hodgkins exhibition. The eight opening poems focus on eight Hodgkins paintings and often use Green's characteristic list structure; the next part includes a number of autobiographical poems, lyrical and often beautiful, about the role art has played in her life. In the third section art moves into poetry, they intermingle in the works of some favourite artists and in the context of a recent illness; and, finally, a long poem 'Letter to Anne Kennedy' brings the main themes together. This is a polished collection from a fine poet.

Cover image and copy lifted from the excellent website of Time Out Bookstore.

They are located in the Mount Eden Village in Auckland and are well worth a visit.