Graft is launched

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…


Discover more from Helen Lehndorf

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

Comments

12 responses to “Graft is launched”

  1. Tim Upperton Avatar
    Tim Upperton

    I wish I hadn’t missed this. Bill Manhire’s “Kevin”.

    Like

    1. helenlehndorf Avatar

      It was a super-evening – you would have enjoyed it, Tim!

      Like

  2. hugh brown Avatar
    hugh brown

    it was a lovely evening. poem (as i haven’t read helen’s yet 🙂 ) the elaboration, bill manhire.

    Like

  3. Pauline Avatar
    Pauline

    I am such a cliche…Hone Tuwhare’s “Rain” and well done Helen H

    Like

  4. Jennifer Compton Avatar
    Jennifer Compton

    not i resident so i enter hors concours – The Tank by Vivienne Plumb

    Like

  5. melissa Avatar

    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!

    Like

  6. John Newton Avatar
    John Newton

    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 . .

    Like

  7. regaleosv Avatar
    regaleosv

    A.R.D. Fairburn’s ‘Full Fathom Five’. Online here: http://www.nzepc.auckland.ac.nz/authors/fairburn/fathom.asp.

    Like

  8. underscore Avatar
    underscore

    Rex Fairburn’s ‘Full Fathom Five’ Online here: http://www.nzepc.auckland.ac.nz/authors/fairburn/fathom.asp

    Like

  9. ehjc Avatar

    That’s a nice photo! ❤

    Like

  10. ruth arnison Avatar

    How about “Dispatch from Fort Knox” – Julie Leibrich

    Like

  11. a visit to the stables « helenlehndorf Avatar

    […] 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. […]

    Like

Leave a Reply to regaleosv Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *