As the Verb Tenses

Discover 'As the Verb Tenses' by Lynley Edmeades, a transformative poetry collection from Otago University Press that delves deep into the nuances of life. Set against the rich tapestry of childhood memories and contemporary experiences, this paperback edition (150 x 230 mm, 64 pages) takes readers on an evocative journey. Published on March 21, 2016, this work explores themes of intimacy, joy, historical loss, and the complexities of expatriate life. Edmeades' delicate yet powerful lines expertly weave irony and profound insights into everyday observations. Each poem is a unique exploration of human connection, from playful dinner conversations to poignant reflections. Ideal for poetry enthusiasts seeking new voices, this collection shines with a vibrant lyrical quality, making it an essential addition to any literary collection. The playful use of satire and wit invites readers to experience the richness of language and emotion, resulting in a reading experience that is both engaging and thought-provoking. With 'As the Verb Tenses,' discover the art of poetry that resonates with the heart, perfect for those who appreciate the beauty and complexity of the human experience.

Author: Lynley Edmeades Publisher: Otago University Press
Bind: paperback
Dimensions: 150 x 230 mm
Pages: 64
Publication Date: 21-03-2016

In the afternoon, peasant women set up shop beside their street-side fish smokers. Look, she said, from here you can see where the mountain range begins... And I wondered: what's the use being a tourist in a place like this? It's like bathing in clothes, kissing a lover through a handkerchief. - from "Lake Baikal" As The Verb Tenses is the work of a reflective and sensitive poetic talent: one run with gleaming wires of joy. In poems that gather together the vivid details of childhood memory, the surreal juxtapositions of life in the contemporary West, the wry observations of a temporary expatriate, the deeply lodged pain of historical and personal loss, Lynley Edmeades speaks to us in delicately spun lines that press out ironies, dissonances and profound formative experience. From playful, rhythmical poems about the art of dinner conversation, to warm glimpses of intimacy, she lays poetry's table with the knife of light satire, the bright salt of wit, the heady wine of love, the bread of knowledge. This quietly poised, confident first collection has a musical, emotional and thematic range of a substantial new talent.