The Yellow Buoy

Overview

Exploring literature, cultures, and surroundings—both physical and social—the poems in this collection are firmly attached to the author's memories. With appearances by various other literary fellows, in person, dream, or conversation—including Curnow, Kawharu, Sargeson, Creeley, Mansfield, and Wordsworth—this book also features warmly translated versions of poems by Montale, Vita, and Jaccottet alongside glimpses of fantails and elegies for friends. Urging its readers to stay alert and pay attention to each moment, these poems likewise consider the acceptance of silence.

Reviews

"Spanning 55 years in 550 pages, the book has a monumental feel to it. Yet, for all its solid weightiness, it is the brightness and clarity of the poetry that lingers. . . . Miles from gridlocked traffic and urban development, these poems are like a timeless evening walk—be it at Karekare or Takapuna—in the most agreeable and engaging of company."  —Gregory O’Brien, poet, Metro

"This ancient poetic theme—how to live in order to live beyond life—runs throughout this massive book, unifying the staggering profusion of forms and contents and linguistic registers."  —Justin Clemens, the Australian, on Collected Poems

Author Biography

C. K. Stead is the author of more than 40 books, including The New Poetic and Smith’s Dream. He is the recipient of the Sunday Times EFG Private Bank Short Story Award and the Prime Minister's Award for Fiction. He is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature, an extraordinary member of the Order of New Zealand, and a Distinguished Citizen of the City of Auckland.