Small Holes In The Silence: Collected Poems

The collected poems of New Zealand’s best-loved poet in a handsome volume.

The collected poems of New Zealand’s best-loved poet in a handsome volume.

A poem is
a ripple of words
on water wind-huffed …

This volume showcases the finest examples of Hone’s poetry, from his early triumph in No Ordinary Sun (one of the most reprinted collections in New Zealand) right up to his final works published when he was in his 80s. Also included are a handful of previously unpublished poems as well as a number translated into Maori by Pat Hohepa, Selwyn Muru and Waihoroi Shortland.

‘Tuwhare … immortalises the people he meets, knows and loves, their comings and goings and passings; he records the small happenings of his days and the large occasions of his time; he describes the land and its creatures and seasons; he observes the effects of the years and puts into words his feelings- about love and loss, faith, spirituality, justice and injustice. He is a storyteller who draws from wherever he is and whoever he is with, absorbing and reflecting texture, colour, nuance, shades of light and dark. Like Maui, he enjoys a good joke, and the joy and comedy of life are ever present.’ - Janet Hunt, Tuwhare- a biography

‘The last Maori Modernist … he bestrides two worlds- his work bends and shapes the English language with impressive virtuosity, while at the same time being rich in the lexicon of Maoritanga … Tuwhare is a dancing heavyweight, able to deliver a verbal knockout with a flourish.’ - David Eggleton, New Zealand Listener