On Friday night 8th March I attended the launch of a new anthology of poetry by Australian women. That’s me on the left and Helen Thurloe on the right. Both of us were very chuffed to have poems included in the book.
The anthology, called Women’s Work, focuses on all the different kinds of ‘work’ done by women. It is published by Pax Press and was put together over two years of hard work by Libby Hathorn and Rachael Bailey. It is now available to order from all good bookshops and will shortly become an e-book as well.
Professor Elizabeth Webby gave a wonderful launch speech, followed by readings from several of the poets whose work appears in the book. All of the readers were great, but special mention must go to fellow- Canberran Moya Pacey for Freudian-slipping the word ‘shagging’ into her poem, ‘Smalls’ 🙂
There is an incredible range of poetry in the book, covering every conceivable style, and ranging in subject matter from office work to factory work to child-rearing to housework by way of dentistry, nursing, baking, ironing, water carrying in Africa, surviving violence and teaching in prisons. The dozen or so readers gave tantalising glimpses into a fascinating and engaging collection.
After the readings, we adjourned to the next room for champers, nibbles, and mingling. A fine time was had by all and I got to meet a few of my fave poets into the bargain. All in all, a great way to spend International Women’s Day. Here’s hoping the book finds its way to the many women who will enjoy reading it.
Melinda Smith's Mull and Fiddle 