It's time to test out the functionality of our comments system. If all goes to plan, it should be possible for you to leave a comment on this post which will, after careful screening by the Cordite bloglords, be made public on the site. All we need is your input. So.
The past five years or so have seen a proliferation of “best-of” lists and publications, not least in the world of Australian poetry, with two competing titles – namely The Best Australian Poetry series (published by UQP) and Black Inc's Best Australian Poems – hitting bookstores across the nation. All of which begs the question: why not just put together an anthology of poems entitled Simply The Best?
While such an exhaustive task may well be beyond us financially at present, we are interested in what you think. Which poem (or poems) would you nominate as simply the best Australian poem(s), ever?
Jennifer Maiden's 'Mines' is pretty fantastic…
haven't read her new book yet.
Judith Wright's Bullocky and Soldier's Farm spring to mind. Something by Ern Malley, just to prod poor old Max's ghost. Slessor, Beach Burial (yeah, I know, everyone else likes Five Bells better)? Something by Hope — Standardization maybe?
Oh, and –
why not just put together an anthology of poems entitled Simply The Best?
Because of the horrible Tina Turner earworm, that's why not.
How dare you sully the name of Tina Turner!
You might be surprised at my selection.
Most Australians don't realise that our Attorney-General is a closet poet, showing a rare sensitivity unseen in his public persona.
This would be my personal favourite of all time:
A Villanelle on Certain Provisions in Relation to a Bill concerning Anti-Terrorism by the Hon. Phillip Ruddock
This legislation I most heartily endorse
Certain Persons are a risk to our Community.
These matters would be considered in due course..
Asylum seekers must be stemmed at Source
While other options there may well be
This legislation I most heartily endorse
The only point I'd make is.. Force
Is always justified for Border Security.
These matters would be considered in due course…
We are obliged to examine each legal resource
In regard to this, it seems to me
This legislation I most heartily endorse
I've repeated this on occasion till I'm hoarse
It's not a matter I can discuss publicly.
These matters would be considered in due course…
This is not a matter for feelings of remorse
The appropriate committee will put its position undoubtedly.
This legislation I most heartily endorse.
These matters would be considered in due course…
Yeah, I'll second the Malley vote – the one where the pelvis explodes like a grenade would be there for me.
Are we only allowed one vote? TTO's 'The Lesson' would make it to my top five of the moment, as would Jas H Duke's 'Doing it the Lesbian Way' and alicia sometimes's 'first three minutes of the universe'.
Has anyone read my book of down to earth Australian poetry.
“Diggers Drought and Desperates”… any comments
tom daly