"At a time when there is more poetry being published than ever before, one could be forgiven for missing certain publications. In the case of Claire Miranda Roberts’ first collection, Kangaroo Paw, such an oversight would be doing the reader a great disservice.
Published by Vagabond Press, the title and cover, showing the titular flower, presents the reader with a passageway into a poetic landscape that feels simultaneously dream-like and firmly set within the psyche. The word that comes to mind when reflecting on the work contained within, is immersion, both within the poems and for the reader. It becomes apparent, when reading, how Roberts can create such painterly images, given her acknowledgement of training as an artist, as written in the collection’s excellent Afterword.
Despite being Roberts’ first collection, hers is a voice that springs from the page fully formed. The collection opens with ‘Armillaris’, referencing the native Australian plant, immediately placing the human body, and connection, within the natural landscape, where the ‘clasps of calyx’ almost evoke the image of a human hand grasping. Roberts’ ability to marry this imagery with human observation is a stunning device reminiscent of haiku..."
Read the full review at Rochford Street Review.
Robbie's own haunting and beautifully crafted poetry can be found on his website.
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