Picks

From ‘In His Youth’ by Rhino:

• Send Off
• In His Youth
• Tide
• Madmen

Rhino delivers!

I got a lovely package from the talented Rhino today. It is a copy of his second collection of poetry, titled ‘In His Youth’. Published by Kilmog Press, an independent Dunedin label, the book is beautifully presented in hardback. Its design is entirely in tune with the content. Gorgeous to hold and to look at,  it is intimate and textured and begs to be read lovingly. Sound over the top? Well, it’s true.

Naturally, the poetry is also of a high quality, and shows a good progression from Rhino’s first collection, ‘Bird Heart’. BH, to my tastes, worked best in its simpler moments, and the pieces of IHY follow this vein. Not that the poems are simple. Oh no. But they are told with such beautiful economy of words that the depths of them wash over you before you realise you’ve been taken out with their tides.

I’d go into more depth about particular works and name some favourites, but I need to read the collection a few more times first.

Included in the package was a printed copy of a short story I’d sent Rhino, with some notes and suggestions mostly around improving aspects of tautology. Rhino, I’ve incorporated a number of your suggestions. Most satisfyingly, certain passages that had bugged me no longer do. Fresh eyes do see clearer. I thank you.