Eighty poets from 27 countries attended.
Wootton took along her third collection of poems, By Birdlight.
Wootton knows poetry has a strong spiritual inclination that encourages all people to overcome difficulties and challenges. This new collection has dreams of discovery. She knows how to be both vulnerable and passionate. Over the years Wootton has established her own voice, but this new collection launches into exciting, more expressive, new territories. The Antarctic, war, teenage lust and travelling between Gore and Clinton are some subjects covered.
"Haunted":
... Tapping on your window. Scared?
Fog fingers round your neck. Little girl
who didn't want to grow up, she stares
from every doorway. Edwardian frock.
Little feet in buttoned boots. Floating.
Bong
goes the clock, twelve times, and pop
goes the pumpkin. Dropped my glass shoe,
snug as a goblet, and the red red spread
on the carpet. Oh, I could scream, but you'd not hear.
Tossing trinkets. Knocking portraits off walls.
Wootton is inspired by art, people and history. By Birdlight has bits that are foggy and sensual, while it's also vicious and comedic at times.
While existing fans will be delighted, those who value risk-taking and the chaos of true creative energy will also be in for a surprise.
Since arriving from the US in 1972, Morseth has written fearless poems that are poised and genuine.
This slim volume has a series of poems about photographs; others look at a rift in a friendship. She knows about some metaphysical confessions in a Dunedin flat.
"Remembering Janet Frame":
I haven't far to walk
to imagine you still living on Evans Street
passing near Frame Street on your way
to the Botanical Garden for the Sunday afternoon
brass band concert, then wandering
to the aviary to talk to the kea
the one you wrote about
the one that learned to walk upside down.
The tui in my garden are not so clever
but manage to stand on their heads
while they siphon nectar from the kowhai blossoms.
There's a lunar eclipse tonight, on your birthday.
How like you to unsettle us all so quietly.
Hippopotamus offers up something fresh, new and odd. This is pure, simple stuff from a distinctive local voice. These poems are satisfying and enjoyable.
• Hamesh Wyatt lives in Bluff. He reads and writes poetry.
