by Max Ryan
(Winner of the 2005 Anne Elder Award)

“Max Ryan brings both the skilled eye of a technician and the compassion of hard won experience to these poems. Pain and joy are never far from the surface. His lyric gift and sure–footed narratives work emotion through the fire of art: the end result is compelling.” – Judy Johnson.

“Max Ryan’s poetry is disarming and fresh – the image inhabits his work like a mindful, meditating presence, and this, coupled with his large–hearted cadences makes his work enormously readable. His words sift deep into life, and are full of power and insight. These are clear and shapely poems written from an empathetic heart.” – Judith Beveridge.