I’m very flattered that Saradha Koirala has asked me to launch her third poetry collection Photos of the Sky in Wellington on Monday 5 November. Here are the details of the launch. You’re invited!
What: Wellington launch of Photos of the Sky by Saradha Koirala, published by The Cuba Press.
I’ve followed and posted about Saradha’s career as a poet and novelist. Her work ticks all the boxes for me: skill, thought, and heart.
Saradha describes Photos of the Sky as follows on her website:
The collection starts with a declaration; ends in realisation. In between is a journey of reaching across the Tasman, shifting to a new home, reaching a place of disquiet and starting again. The full spectrum of emotions brings with it rain, sweat, tears, wildflowers and the promise of snow.
I’m also very happy to support The Cuba Press – a new Wellington press which is really making moves in a range of genres. They are open for submissions until 1 December – check out their submission guidelines.
With Saradha’s permission, here is her poem “Confession, confessed”. This serves as an excellent introduction to Photos of the Sky. I hope you can make it to the launch!
I’ve been the secret and the secret-keeper
the one from whom the secret is kept.
I’ve been a curiosity of connections that don’t concern me
the cause and effect of all that is curious.
I’ve been right and I’ve been wronged
I’ve been righteously wrong.
I’ve been a cut-out shape where I used to be seen
and I too have cut fleshy shapes from my life.
I’ve been the problem and the solution
the floating object of insomnia, rage
a presence off limits
that has in turn been there for me.
I’ve been the reason and I’ve been the excuse.
I’ve been falsely accused, rightly refused.
I’ve been the obsession
the obsessed.
I had an alibi.
I am the reason you needed an alibi.
