GWEN HARWOOD POETRY PRIZE 2006:
THE JUDGES’ REPORT
RESULTS
WINNER:PRIZE:$1500
‘Structure of the Horse's Eye’ ELIZABETH CAMPBELLHIGHLY COMMENDED:PRIZE:$300 EACH
‘A Day at the Beach’ KATHRYN LOMER
‘Spiritlands Undreaming’ ANNE MORGAN
‘The Deep Sigh: Katoomba Falls’ ROBYN ROWLANDCOMMENDED:Awarded at the judges’ discretion, no prize money.
‘Motoring in Mongolia in a Summer Snowstorm’ RON WISEMANJudging a competition such as the Gwen Harwood Poetry Prize is a unique opportunity to connect with the many kinds of poems that contemporary Australian poets are writing. We, as judges, felt very privileged to feast on such a rich and very up-to-date spread of submissions. The offerings were of an exceptionally high standard, with more poems in the top range than we have encountered in other competitions. This obviously reflects the esteem with which Australian poets view both Island and the Gwen Harwood Poetry Prize.
The usual themes that poetry competitions elicit were present - relationships, love & death, landscape, ecology, war, religion, aging, illness - along with a few delightfully unclassifiable offerings. From the 300-odd entries we each selected about 30 poems. Perhaps unsurprisingly, the differences in our respective shortlists were few and insignificant. The overarching criteria were two: craft of a very high standard; and originality. Each of these top 30 poems deserved acknowledgement, even if we doubted that some would make the final cut. Many were publishable as submitted, but not every fine poem can be a competition winner.
Narrowing the shortlist down to a handful of contenders for the prize proved, as expected, a much more challenging task. Finding flaws, even minor ones, is much easier than weighing and comparing disparate sets of thoroughly positive qualities. Still, we quickly settled on five or six poems which self-selected on the basis of their exceptional innovation, reach and technical skill. Each had qualities which set it apart, and progressively finer distinctions determined which pieces kept their positions on the list. These poems, from the outset, had drawn both of us back again and again. Each in its own unique way staked an urgent claim to the empty spot at the top of the list.
After numerous re-readings and re-re-readings over several days, we knew without question or hesitation that Structure of the Horse's Eye by Elizabeth Campbell had to be the winner. This poem is impressive for the way in which it develops and sustains its elegant, sensual style. It uses imposing yet subtle formal constraints to pace delivery of imagistic intensity and beauty. The skilful way this poet moves sentences across lines demonstrates consummate control of the subject matter. It is a powerful lesson in how the line can be used to build integrity of voice, how it can be harnessed to carry transformative connections. This piece showcases the language skills and quality of imagination worthy of first place in a very impressive field.
Praise for the winner, however, takes nothing away from the quality of other top contenders. A Day at the Beach by Kathryn Lomer is a beautifully realised poem which sparkles with startling imagery and graceful rhythms. This poet knows the importance of leading the reader into the universal through the narrow door of the particular. Much the same can be said of Spiritlands Undreaming by Anne Morgan, which builds affect and significance through sophisticated mapping of language onto landscape. So also for The Deep Sigh: Katoomba Falls by Robyn Rowland, a powerful evocation of place made significant by subtle, consistent and well-timed use of metaphor. So also for Motoring in Mongolia in a Summer Snowstorm by Ron Wiseman, where carefully timed repetition coupled with the poet’s deceptively casual voice modulate a satisfying reflection on the imperative to ‘Get a life!’
Many other poems impressed us. Hundreds of poets invested thousands of hours in writing, developing, editing and polishing their submissions, and we were at all times painfully conscious of the effort and emotion expended to create the stacks of paper before us. This year’s Gwen Harwood Poetry Prize confirmed what we both strongly believe: poetry in Australia thrives, and the best of it is unquestionably world class. Congratulations to all who entered, and our thanks for the chance to connect with your work.
JUDGES: JUDITH BEVERIDGE & ROB RIEL, October 2006
Sponsored by: Hobart City Council
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