Hi Wanda, It's great to be part of a poetry reading.  I took part for nearly 2 years at readings held at the Globe Tavern in Auckland in the early 1980s, organised by David Mitchell, a New Zealand (actually David was Australian) poet (see his 'mile-stone' work 'Pipe-dreams in Ponsonby' - some body just recently edited and released his collected poems this year, but I don't recall under what title).  It's stimulating to hear people read their own words in their own voices and gets you itching to rush back home and write - that's how I recall it.  Your gift idea sounds great.  Go for it!

Hi Wanda,

Yes, you're right.  This is a great collective, and anyone who's game is a contributor.  It is always inspiring to see other poets working putting up their work on line, and only stimulates you to do the same.  I, too, have never been part of any such collective, though I was one of the original participants in the 'Poetry Live' event, first started by the poet David Mitchell, who passed away this year.  It used to be held at the Globe Tavern in Auckland, somewhere just down from Symonds St (haven't been down that way for many a year). Good, bad, bizarre, tedious, awesome, whatever each evening was, it was never the same.

Hi Wanda,

Thanks you asking how things are over 'our way'.  I'm hoping to return to Aotearoa by the coming year.  It's strange that having lived so many years away most of what I write is all drawn from my life there and the land itself; it all comes with me.  I think your poem to your sister said so much and was so beautifully understated, and I believe the intent, if not the words themselves, reach those we love on this side or on the other.  Perhaps we can have a cup of tea one day!!  Regards.