Seasoned with Honey  (Walleah Press, 2008).  Poetry.

Anne Collins’ work is featured along with that of Lyn Reeves,  Mary Jenkins and Gina Mercer.  As a manuscript this collection  won first prize in the FAW 2006 National Literary Awards.

“The poems observe the surfaces and the sub-strata of place, people and politics with a keen and sensual gaze.” Synopsis, back cover.

Sparrow-scrabble in the roof,

nest is a four-letter word and lots of grass.

Virtue’s voice in my head – ‘you’re not up yet.’

Feathered-clatter, a poppling creek,

my eyes open, close again . . .

open, close, delicious sleep-deep mornings,

dipping into dreams’ soft centres.

Coming-to in the sun,

windows full of trees. Through the dapple

a pool of creek hosts frog a capella in ripples.

Water curls beneath the bridge     slips away,

the road in and out is empty.

I blink in slow motion. A cool breath

shifts the leaves, moderate to fresh a stiff breeze,

satisfied weaverbirds chrleep.

My dog comes in for a scratch,

the day is getting serious. Tap, tap, tap

on the hill, brick and tile roosting,

progress. The garbage truck soars past,

its tailwind thwacks the house,

bin-thud echoes cross the valley,

a raven yawns  aaarrrk.

Drinking coffee, eating toast,

I swallow whole, clouds, air, sky.

Waking Up to Spring by Anne Collins in Seasoned with Honey.