David:
Janet--why don't you inform the readers at these places about Aussie or Kiwi writers? Others among the far-flung--do your bit for poets most of us have never read--write a review-essay about them.
David,
I'll try. Australian poetry is so super-fashionable and post post everything that apart from a very few who receive the blessing of the King, Les Murray, it has driven me across the ocean to this forum. The size of the country and the paucity of worthwhile outlets has defeated me on the whole. If I had more money I might be able to do the forensic investigation necessary.
I do know one particular poet whom I think is sadly neglected in Australia, Dennis Greene. He suffers from the increasing effects of early onset Parkinson's but has found a depth and measured thoughtfulness which I am convinced is due partly to his condition.
I can love the writing of Les Murray and his voice has the quintessential Australian accent.
I spent some hours in my New Zealand student days, chatting at social gatherings with James K. Baxter and I have just seen a magnificent biographical documentary about another great New Zealand poet (now dead) Allen Curnow.
My own scattered background with a huge interruption spent in other countries and time consuming vocations, means that I am a little lost and lack confidence.
I'll see what I can muster.
Janet
James K. Baxter
Allen Curnow
Les Murray
[This message has been edited by Janet Kenny (edited September 07, 2004).]
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