Barbara Giles

The Unborn Child Speaks To The Sea Abalone Press, PO Box 202 Cheltenham Victoria, 76p., $7.95 Heritage Of Air Queensland Community Press, 49p. Other People (And Other Poems) Published by the author, PO Box 123 0, Potts Point 2011 NSW, 60p., $5.00 pb Poetry Here we have poetry by five women. The most artful, Patricia Avery, her motifs glass, ice, crystal, reflections, mirrors, water, waves, ocean, I find obscure.

Here we have poetry by five women. The most artful, Patricia Avery, her motifs glass, ice, crystal, reflections, mirrors, water, waves, ocean, I find obscure. In absolute contrast is the work of Susan Schwartz, simply expressed, crystal clear, yet subtle, and full of striking images. These are the poems of a woman for the time being engrossed in the care of her family, realising how fast her young years slip away.

I’m a speedy reader, a rapid degutter of poems, yet it took me days to read John Tranter’s Selected Poems. This poetry is so packed with meaning, with metaphor, so inventive, intelligent, and funny it’s impossible to hurry. It left me, though I’d read most of it before, wishing for a Complete Poems to fill the gaps. Continue reading for only $2.50 per week. Subscribe and gain full access to Australian Book Review. Already a subscriber? Sign in. If you need assistance, feel free to contact us.