VGH 904 by Brad

One of things Brad and I talked about was the impossibility of honestly blind editing a journal. As a poet part of the mission is trying to develop a unique and distinctive voice. Hopefully one gets to the point that this style enables readers to recognize a poem as ‘yours’ without knowing who wrote it.

This poem is Brad.

VGH 904


Derek Motion ‘corer’

I don’t like Derek, he doesn’t much like me. But ad hominem, that is unimportant. We must transcend our petty egos. Which brings me to this beautifully made poem.


three cappuccinos by Brad Frederiksen

Watching someone’s poetry evolve over a long period of time is the most fascinating thing. Writing a poem can be seen as a process of making a series of decisions. This a great poem.

‘they were not friendly birds’ by Louise Waller

Anyone who has read my book or the poem “Kakadu” will know exactly why I love this poem.  ‘they were not friendly birds’ by Louise Waller.

‘teenage boys’ by Bryan Borland.

This is a great poem. Its expression is perfect for the idea and it captures a moment on a bridge better than any photo could have. I used to say that poems like this demonstrate and articulate their aesthetic at the same time,

‘teenage boys’ by Bryan Borland

point danger, by Graham Nunn.

As you know, I love poetry. I like poetry that gets into my head and moves me, antihaiku style, that makes me feel something and I’m not sure how. I’ve been to the Point Danger that Graham is describing and this is a great poem. Graham is a rarity, a poet of considerable experience who has achieved a certain level of  fame based on his integrity and the quality of his writing.

point danger,

by Graham Nunn.

‘If Wishes Were Silence’ by Selma

If Wishes Were Silence by Selma would probably not be called poetry by anyone except me. I doubt even Selma would call it poetry. But the motion behind the words or beneath them contains the most delicate emotion and the control over the central image is so complete and perfect that the absence of linebreaks is irrelevant. Besides it is an exquisite piece of writing and I want to put in my little collection here.

“i’m not you” by Cocoyea.

Cocoyea is a fantastic writer with a powerful, unique and very real voice. She is also a drummer in a kickarse rock band. Her poetry just gets better and better and everyone on the planet who is remotely interested in contemporary poetry should read this poem.

“i’m not you” by Cocoyea

“no still life” by Wayne

“no still life” by Wayne at Transformation By Dialectic is one of those poems that just defies categorisation. In fact, it’s so good it made me realise my whole program of sorting the poems by categories is silly. I love pirate poems as everyone knows, it’s a terrible weakness of mine but even if you only ever read one pirate poem in your life, make it this one.

“smell of rain” by Ngetha.

Simplicity and elegance often equate with eloquence. This is the kind of poem that is often attempted but it is rare for the subject to be conjured so beautifully and fully. She appears like magic. The poem and the woman described are both exquisitely beautiful and very sensual and the poem has great control over rhythm and a subtle depth in the thinking.

“smell of rain” by Ngetha.