From both revered, established writers and exciting contemporary poets, the work in this anthology offers a broad picture of M ori poetry written in English.
The encounter between M ori writers and the English language has been one of creativity and innovation, with poets choosing to use the language of the coloniser as a tool for their own ends, expressing the beauty and robustness of the M ori spirit when confronted with difference and dislocation.
There are laments for koro (elders), hopes for mokopuna (grandchildren); celebrations of the land and anger at its abuse; retellings of myth and reclamations of history.
In all its variety, and on every conceivable subject, witness the vitality and intensity of the M ori poetic voice.