I went to a lovely poetry event in Paekakariki last Saturday – the launch of Lynn Davidson’s ‘Common Land’ (VUP) and a local celebration of the recently launched ‘Graft’ by Helen Heath (VUP). Both poets were interviewed by Paekakariki poet, Dinah Hawken. It was a lovely laid-back affair with mood-lighting, a traditional ‘hall supper’, wine, tea and live music after the poetry. Quite relaxed and wonderful!
Here are Dinah Hawken, Lynn Davidson and Helen Heath:
Here are two of my dear friends, whom I love very much and who will probably kill me for putting a photograph of them on the internet:
Here is a random shot of some people enjoying the night – I wanted to show you the beautiful rose-lamp! :
Congratulations, Helen, on all the ‘graft’ that went into this terrific book. It has certainly paid off – what a great achievement!
‘Graft’ is rich and carefully-crafted book. There are affecting and emotional poems about the terroire of motherhood and grief. There are sad/funny/sad poems about a composite character from the Hutt Vally called ‘Justine’. There are playful and moving poems about science and scientists. In short, there is a lot going on in this slim volume and it is a dense, satisfying read.
Here’s to charmed evenings in little town halls, with moody lighting, poetry, live music and home-made lamingtons! I could do that every Saturday…
Helen Lehndorf 
12 responses to “Graft is launched”
I wish I hadn’t missed this. Bill Manhire’s “Kevin”.
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It was a super-evening – you would have enjoyed it, Tim!
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it was a lovely evening. poem (as i haven’t read helen’s yet 🙂 ) the elaboration, bill manhire.
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I am such a cliche…Hone Tuwhare’s “Rain” and well done Helen H
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not i resident so i enter hors concours – The Tank by Vivienne Plumb
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congratulations to helen on her amazing new book! looks like it was a great night at the launch.
i really love ‘the way’ by jenny bornholdt but it is difficult to choose just one poem!
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all this Wellington news makes me homesick! good on you Helen. as for a fav NZ poem, how about “The Book of Sadness” by James Brown . .
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A.R.D. Fairburn’s ‘Full Fathom Five’. Online here: http://www.nzepc.auckland.ac.nz/authors/fairburn/fathom.asp.
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Rex Fairburn’s ‘Full Fathom Five’ Online here: http://www.nzepc.auckland.ac.nz/authors/fairburn/fathom.asp
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That’s a nice photo! ❤
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How about “Dispatch from Fort Knox” – Julie Leibrich
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[…] draw a winner for Helen Heath’s ‘Graft’ last week, after running this competition HERE. My apologies to those who entered, in case you were waiting! The winner is Ruth Arnison. […]
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