The Green Parakeet extends the poetic sequence begun in Desmond Graham’s previous collection, Heart-work, encapsulating a darker mood and engaging with daring contrasts of form.
The first half’s elegiac sequence on an older brother finds vitality through loss, and love through difference. The second section consists of ‘Postcards from Germany’. Graham’s postcards range from dark and elusive to bright and teasing; they are of places we cannot know without imagination. Throughout, Graham’s humour and invention make this an accessible collection that is a pleasure to read.
"Graham has a way of finding fugitive rays of light."
Poetry Wales
"In the first half of his new book […] there are affecting and amusing references, and the second half has imaginative glimpses of people he has seen and places he has been."
Keith Richmond, Tribune
"Stanzas shaved to a Giacometti-like slenderness. Graham knows exactly how to prevent the reader from hurrying. The poems bind the attention like strong silk."
Peter Bennet, Other Poetry
The first half’s elegiac sequence on an older brother finds vitality through loss, and love through difference. The second section consists of ‘Postcards from Germany’. Graham’s postcards range from dark and elusive to bright and teasing; they are of places we cannot know without imagination. Throughout, Graham’s humour and invention make this an accessible collection that is a pleasure to read.
"Graham has a way of finding fugitive rays of light."
Poetry Wales
"In the first half of his new book […] there are affecting and amusing references, and the second half has imaginative glimpses of people he has seen and places he has been."
Keith Richmond, Tribune
"Stanzas shaved to a Giacometti-like slenderness. Graham knows exactly how to prevent the reader from hurrying. The poems bind the attention like strong silk."
Peter Bennet, Other Poetry