Strands of autobiography, a deeply sensuous ecology of place, historical narratives; the inner world of imagination and the often difficult realities of the postcolonial nation are interwoven in McWatt's bold but carefully worked out architecture. Peepal Tree

Gissa smile Sun, giss yr best / good mawnin' one, fresh 'n cool like - 'Sun O (2)', Hone Tuwhare

If life had a second edition, how I would correct the proofs?. John Clare

Not only rich music, an easy lyricism, but also grit, and earthy honesty, a willingness to be vulnerable and clean. - Gwendolyn Brooks

His poems are direct and arresting, playful, full of startling imagery, and are hilarious, passionate and erotic as often as they are political - often managing to be all these things at once - Maura Dooley

Where is the spirit that touched the hearts / Lightly - chameleon colours of home? - 'Visiting Zomba Plateau', Jack Mapanje

I, too, sing America. - 'I, Too', Langston Hughes