Every year the Melbourne-based publisher Black Inc. invites an editor to compile a book of the best Australian poems from the last 12 months. It’s always a joy to read the diverse array of poems that come out of this country. Sarah Holland-Batt has done an excellent job compiling the 2017 edition, which features a mixture of form and subject matter. Some of the poems experiment with language and structure, while the more traditional poems focus on beautiful imagery and stunning technique. Because the anthology focuses on the past 12 months, it is, as Holland-Batt points out, an eclectic mix. I found it best to dip in and out of the book, rather than reading it all in one sitting. One of the best things about the annual compilation is being able to sample poems and discover new poets to explore further. My favourite from this year’s collection is ‘The Night Coming’ by veteran poet David Brooks.

In 15 beautifully crafted lines, Brooks takes us inside on a cool, rainy night, watching the night begin to fall outside. It left me with goosebumps.

Reviewed by Alexandra Irving