Crosswind : paperback

In three parts this is a new lyrical collection from a poet with a growing reputation. The first part evokes New Zealand landscapes, especially the southern mountains, and Italy, town and countryside, and includes some beautiful love poems. The middle section, 'Lounge Suite', comprises poems written in response to works by contemporary New Zealand artists who have in turn created new images especially for this book. The final section, 'Westbound and Floating', recalls the popular music of the 1970s and the poet's youth. These are rich and gorgeous poems full of wonderful sounds and images, not afraid of the romance of memories, music, art, love, landscape, all themes which weave throughout the book. Much more accessible than the poet's earlier books, Crosswind should have wide appeal among lovers of poetry.