Issue 43 | September 2020 |

Eleanor Hooker’s poetry captures the rhythms of the natural world, offering perspectives that are precisely observed, intense and intimate.

Each line is a poem in itself in these three exquisite works by Australian poet and translator Peter Boyle, in which he pays homage to the miraculous in life and its precariousness.

In these two unique poems, Australian poet Kate McNamara takes us on an achingly courageous journey, which are in themselves a tribute to the dignity and resilience of those left behind.

Adina Dabija, recent emigrant into USA from Romania, writes about finding home wherever she is living.

Emma Lee reviews Nathaneal O’Reilly’s latest poetry collection , ‘(Un)belonging’

Pui Ying Wong, Chinese emigrant to USA from Hong Kong, is a well known, much published poet in literary circles in the States.

Jeff Santosuosso, having lived in eight states in the US, is known for a restlessness in his work, which suits Summer 2020.

Mary Oishi, Albuquerque Poet Laureate and lifelong activist, employs an economic, terse style deftly to convey her global concerns.

Award-winning poet, Luke Kennard shares seven poems from his upcoming collection ‘Notes on The Sonnets’, written in response to Shakespeare’s sonnets and to be published in April 2021 by Penned in the Margins.

Clare Morris, Editor of The Write Life introduces essays by Sophia Kouidou-Giles, Michael Paul Hogan, Dominic Fisher and Kevin Kling and explores the underlying message that links them all.

Felicia McCarthy on the five outstanding poets selected for issue 43

Emma Lee discusses the three titles reviewed in this issue and updates us to changes in her team

“Terrible shame about Marianne,” my mother says out of the blue.  “What do you mean?” I’m preoccupied, rooting in her wardrobe. Among the clothes on…

Delia Pring’s compelling short story takes us into the fragmented world of mental illness

Kevin Kling discusses the weaving of metaphor and sequence to create cloaks of immortality. Among the cacophony of bird calls, car horns and laundromats, we are offered the silent gift of a blind goatherd’s smile.

Dominic Fisher offers readers a delightful mix of wry humour, perceptive poetry criticism and pertinent gardening tips as he engages in conversation with visiting poets.

Michael Paul Hogan deftly summarises both the joy and the torment in our love of books

Sophia Kouidou-Gile explores the many ways we hope to transform base ideas into gold when we write

Margot Saffer’s poems remind us of our flawed humanity while gently guiding our emotions through her skilful use of language.

Josie Di Sciascio-Andrews’s poems exult in vivid imagery, while paying close attention to language and its sheer inventiveness.

Using raw, sparkling language, the poems of Cătălina Florina Florescu boldly address the body and womanhood, by blurring the lines between expectations and ownership.

Tracy Gaughan on the poets appearing in issue 43 of The Blue Nib

Two poems by celebrated Australian poet and translator Peter Boyle, which dwell simultaneously on the miraculous in life and its precariousness.

In these magnificent poems, Australian poet Davide Angelo gently explores the nature of two very different situations, as well as the histories they carry and the dreams inherent in them.

From the surprising beauty of baby sharks to the curious directions our lives take and the spaces between things – the sleek poetry of Australian poet Julie Maclean covers a multitude of sentiments.

Denise O’Hagan on the magic of choice and the poets she finally selected for issue 43

International poetry editor, Clara Burghelea on her selection for issue 43.

In my work as a hospice volunteer I’d sat by the bedside of people dying, part of a ministry of presence for those in their last few hours of life.

A Thousand Moons, by Sebastian Barry Hardcover: 272 pages Publisher: Faber & Faber; Main edition (19 Mar. 2020) ISBN-10: 0571333370 ‘I am Winona‘In early times I was Ojinjintka, which means rose….

Byron Beynon’s poetry is deeply rooted in the landscape of his native Wales.

Poems that engage all of the senses, and display Fred Johnston’s breadth of craft.

Ping Wang is a recipient of NEA, Bush, Lannan and McKnight Fellowships, director of Kinship of Rivers project, professor English at Macalester College, she is also a dancer, photographer and installation artist.

There is a good deal of introspection in this collection of poems from Margaret Royall

Leopoldo María Panero was a Spanish poet born in Madrid on June 18, 1948. He was part of the Novísimos group (“The Newest Ones”), a poetry group in Spain that focused on contemporary, surreal and experimental writing. Panero was the son of famous poet Leopoldo Panero.

Poet, Rose Mary Boehm’s poetry is hones from close observation, whether of people or place.

Marion Pym Schaare’s poetry is composed with shape, light and emotions. Schaare was shortlisted in the Fish Publishing Poetry Prize (2018) and the ACU Poetry Competition (2019)

EVIDENCE OF THE PREPOSTEROUS IMPOSSIBLE  Nothing moves in the breeze so exquisitely as that which I imagine untangling in my fingers. Look at the willow,…

Jane Pearn’s award winning dystopian fiction paints a chilling picture of a future that is all too believable.