The Sydney Morning Herald logo

Poetry

Advertisement
<p>

Don’t be a wallflower, John

Best mate of first love and first husband of best mate would agree.

Latest

First Nations poet Evelyn Araluen has won the prestigious Victorian Premier’s Literary Prize.

‘So many stories to tell’: First Nations poet wins prestigious literary prize

The acclaimed writer’s award comes just four years after her debut collection became the first poetry collection to take home the Stella Prize.

  • Kylie Northover
<p>

The perfect name, on the face of it

But let’s not harbour any grudges.

Evelyn Araluen’s poetry collection Dropbear was the bestselling collection in the country at the end of 2022.

These collections from local poets will make you feel everything from warmth to rage

Poet and critic Thuy On looks at five recent Australian poetry collections.

  • Thuy On
Maxine Beneba Clarke’s new book of poetry is playful, blunt and provocative,

From rage to playfulness, these poems are unashamed tributes to womanhood

Maxine Beneba Clarke’s new book of poetry is a feminist rallying cry.

  • Thuy On
<p>

Formula 1’s pour decisions

Giggle water gets the boot.

Advertisement
Rainer Maria Rilke’s  Elegies were described as “the greatest poem of the 20th century”.

Australian translation breathes new life into some of history’s greatest poems

Australian poet Geoffrey Lehmann’s new translations of the poems of Rainer Maria Rilke are a thing of wonder.

  • Peter Craven
<p>

Pumped for high drama

Nola cops a spray, too.

Illustration by Simon Letch

In praise of mediocrity – and having a go regardless

My teenage poetry was shudderingly bad. My swimming kick isn’t up to much. Do I let such limitations stop me?

  • Julia Baird
Chris Wallace Crabbe in 2013.

Chris Wallace-Crabbe was a poet of international renown, a beloved teacher and a generous man

Melbourne was a constant in the life and work of Chris Wallace-Crabbe, one of Australia’s best-known and best-loved poets, who died at the age of 91 on December 16.

  • David McCooey