Yesterday was the 5th anniversary of the February 22nd, 2011, earthquake that devastated my home city of Christchurch. I shared some thoughts here.

Today I am announcing an exciting project born out of the spirit of recovery and (once we rock past April 17) regeneration — the anthology, Leaving the Red Zone, put together by well known poets and editors, James Norcliffe and Joanna Preston, and published by Clerestory Press.

Here’s what the press release has to say:

“People talked about quake brain, but the Canterbury earthquakes, despite or because of this, generated amazing bursts of creativity: music, dance, astonishing street art; and poetry. 148 poems from 87 poets: here are sorrow, resignation, defiance, stoicism, humour black and wry, and everything in between.”

Plus I have three poems in the anthology, how cool is that? (Very cool, OK!)

The Launch:

The launch is on Monday 29, 7.00 pm – 8.30 pm, at The Laboratory, 17 West Belt, Lincoln — with copies available at a launch-only price of $30.

All profits are to go to the Mayor’s Earthquake Relief Fund.

To Buy Copies:

You can still purchase copies of Leaving the Red Zone, even if you can’t attend the launch. For “how to” and other pertinent details, email clerestory@xtra.co.nz