looking for the new laureate

Who should be the next New Zealand Poet Laureate? The National Library is inviting nominations as it begins the process of appointing a laureate whose term will begin in July 2009 and run for two years. Nominees will have made an outstanding contribution to New Zealand poetry and be an accomplished and highly regarded poet. They must also currently reside in New Zealand.

Have your say by filling in a nomination form and sending it to the National Library by 19 June 2009. You can find the nomination form and background information here.

Image
Michele and Chalk Poem, March 2009. Photo courtsey Tim Page.

Chris Price's book launch

posted by Michele

Graham Beattie has blogged about the launch of Chris Price's new poetry collection The Blind Singer at the Gus Fisher Gallery, describing it as "a book launch like no other" he has attended.

Check out his piece here.

r.i.p. pearl 1994-2009

posted by Michele

little eyes

two coffees to go
to Maungauika     above us
the golden bee of the sun
between us the basket     its blanket
and your sleeping head     little dog
you loved this hill     its spiral road
and the grass ghosts singing
in our ears     now you are still
and everything familiar is still
aching     except that black dot
on the horizon     no longer old
and free at last of the slow
obscenity lymphoma
delivered into your trusting body
last night you fell at my feet
and I knew it was over     little dog
you slept one last time
and then we woke you     one last time
there is much to say up here
on the hill     watching you
get further and further away
a frangipani blossom
and a white ginger flower
we will put you into the ground
between the avocado and the titoki
where you stuck your nose
every morning
into the leaves and snorted for joy
white ginger and frangipani
go with you     last things     a shot of cat food and your head
in my hands     love uncloses your eyes
and you see clearly again     little dog
chasing the golden bee of the sun
yes     run over that valley
and chase the birds into the sky

Image: Michele and Pearl, January 2009.
Photo credit: Robbie Duncan