Dear Sweet Harry and Lives of the Poets

Unity Books in Wellywood last night held an opening launch for two poets, Lynn Jenner and John Newton. On National Poetry Day there was a large turnout despite the hideous freezing nose-numbing weather. It was a joint event between Victoria and Auckland University Presses.
Hinemoana Baker sung/ recited as an opening and the audience were spellbound: it was a gorgeous performance of a piece of her poetry/song lyrics.
Lynn read from her work which blends together history, memoir and poetry in one genre blending work.
John has published his first poetry collection in twenty-five years and plays with traditional forms, but with contemporary subject-matter. The poem he read set in Kings Cross, Sydney in 1980 was excellent.