No Other Place to Stand: An Anthology of Climate Change Poetry from Aotearoa New Zealand

Poetry is at the periphery of popular speech, but it is rooted in the most ancient traditions of oral storytelling. It can raise movements and be moving in their own right, and it arises from a deep sense of care for the living world and the people in it. Our poets are eulogists, visionaries, warriors, and worriers, and they are ordinary people prepared to sit and stare at a blank page and try to do something with the troubles looming over our past, present, and future.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 220 pages
Publication date: 14 July 2022
Publisher: Auckland University Press

Poetry occupies a unique position at the fringes of mainstream discourse, often overlooked within the realm of the arts. Yet, its origins can be traced back to the most ancient traditions of oral storytelling, transcending geographical and cultural boundaries. It is a form of expression that has the power to inspire, challenge, and transform.

An audience member at the New Zealand Young Writers Festival in 2020 posed a thought-provoking question: who are we to underestimate the impact of poetry on the world? While a poem may not wield the same authority of influence as a binding policy or strategic investment, it possesses the ability to ignite movements and resonate deeply on its own merits. Poetry has the capacity to shift hearts and minds, fostering a shift in behaviors and politics.

Regardless of whether the poems presented here exude ironic apathy or bare their souls in passionate appeals for action, they all stem from a profound reverence for the living world and the individuals inhabiting it. Our poets serve as eulogists, visionaries, warriors, and worriers, ordinary individuals willing to confront the daunting challenges that loom over our past, present, and future. They sit with blank pages, ready to engage in the arduous task of creating something meaningful from the complexities of our existence.

In conclusion, poetry occupies a paradoxical space, simultaneously marginalized and profoundly influential. It is a testament to the enduring power of language and the human spirit. As we immerse ourselves in the verses presented here, let us be reminded of the transformative potential of poetry and its ability to inspire, challenge, and shape our world.

Dimension: 224 x 164 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781869409555