Shape-Shifter

Wellington: Steele Roberts. Fine with no dust jacket. (1999). Softcover. 0958371210 . No signatures.; 1999 second printing. 119 pages + [1] page advertisements. French flaps. Page dimensions: 210 x 148mm. "This collection of 53 poems - 35 not previously in book form - ranges from sensual through erotic to environmental and political. Also included are two remarkable stories, 'Shape-Shifter' and 'Maui & Toko', creative inventions based on Maori legend. " - from blurb on rear cover. Contents: Preface: Peach by Shirley Grace; Foreword; Introduction by Bill Lennox; Time out; Big Whale Itch; Thank You; Letter / Poem; Yes; When the karaka trees whistled and said to us: Kia kaha! ; For they who wear a crown of thorns; Ru-au-moko; A northland heart-scape; Moko; The pond, the tree and fish; Norfolk pines on Pakiri Beach; Drug Lore; Covetous; Inconspicuously sensual; Sparrow-fart, is a tremor of light at dawn; The Champagne-box inquiry has helped me; Gargle gargle, wave; To a girl poet; Poetics; Fifteen minutes in the life of Johannes H. Jean Ivanovich; Devonport Ferry; Spring Song; Sun-rise; Tangaroa at Te Araroa 1979; Protocol; Salvaged; Against wallowing sentimentality; How to dispose of your ashes with panache; Shape-shifter; Dawn; Yvonne; Sappho is impatient with her daughter, Cleis; Waiata aroha (traditional) ; I hold rhetorical hands with the sea; God's Day to you too, tree; I peer down Tangaroa's throat; Kaka Point; A hongi for you too, Spring; Social notes on Wellington; The sun is a truant; I take your pulse; Seduction; Niu Tireni (long white shroud) ; Tangaroa: sea-food provider; Warawara, Pureora, Okarito; Put a searchlight on the bastards: expose them; Haiku; Science of Feeling; Wry song; Balloon; Prayer before going to bed; Rachel, baby...; A German teacher gives a lesson in Physics; to a mixed class in English; Maui & Toko; Previous printings.; 8vo .