A new collection that declares a bright future for PNG poetry
01 October 2016
PHIL FITZPATRICK
ONE of the really satisfying things about PNG Attitude and the Crocodile Prize is that every so often a writer of impressive power comes along.
Sometimes they just jump out at you and at other times they creep up behind you and it takes a while to notice them.
Wardley D Barry-Igivisa is one of the former. Upon sighting his first poem, it was obvious that a major talent had emerged.
Like many Papua New Guinean writers, Ward has set out on a long and arduous road with many pitfalls and little reward.
He is now a traveller who needs help along the way if he is to reach the final destination of having his name scrawled up there on the rickety totem pole of Papua New Guinean literature.
Some help has already been forthcoming.
Thanks to the generosity of those donors who contributed to the Holman Book Fund, Ward will soon have copies of his first book of poetry, ABCDreams, to sell or otherwise dispose of.
PNG would be among the few countries where authors frequently find it easier to get published than to buy their own books. Hence our helping hand to Ward and a few other authors.
There is more that needs to be done however.
And you can support the future of Papua New Guinean literature as well as bringing some pleasure and information to authors simply by buying a copy of their books.
Visit the Pukpuk Publications website here and, if you spot a book or two you think you might like, pop in an order.
Ward will be launching ABCDreams on Monday from 5-6pm in the dining hall at Pacific Adventist University in Port Moresby.
If you’re in the vicinity, you should drop by.
Occasionally an exceptional writer emerges in Papua New Guinea. It happens less so with poets.
Poetry is a popular form in Papua New Guinean literature but poets who can combine both a flair for expression and technical ability are rare.
Ward Igivisa is one of those rare poets. He follows in the footsteps of Papua New Guinea’s eminent poet Michael Dom.
This collection of 150 pieces represents his efforts between 2010 and 2015. They are refreshing, surprising and innovative and declare a bright future for PNG poetry and great enjoyment for readers.
You can order a copy of ABCDreams here.
Congratulations Wardley Barry-Igivisa for launching your new book of poetry ‘ABCDreams’ at the Adventist University today. I saw it on EMTV news just now but I was a bit concerned no official from the Education Department was present.
I would also have loved to see a couple of our Port Moresby-based writers in attendance at the launching at a major tertiary institution in the country. The hall was full of students and our educational institutions is where budding new writers must have to be encouraged.
PNG writers need each other’s support and encouragement.
Posted by: Daniel Kumbon | 05 October 2016 at 07:00 PM
Congratulations Wardley! This is a milestone achievement for PNG! Reading and Books is something that we need to continue encouraging our children to take up as a habit..and more so writing!
I have placed an order and am looking forward to receiving my copy of ABCDreams very sooon!!
Posted by: Carole Cholai | 05 October 2016 at 02:53 PM
Thanks all.
Posted by: Wardley Barry | 03 October 2016 at 11:25 AM
Congratulations Wardley for publishing your first book of poetry. Happy launching.
Posted by: Francis Nii | 02 October 2016 at 09:20 AM
Congratulations Ward...Loved your poems, happy launching!
Posted by: Philip G Kaupa | 01 October 2016 at 08:31 PM
One of my favourite poems from Wardley's book is A Bardanelle on Art.
One of my favourite verses is this one from My Tumbuna Talked:
Tomorrow???
Let me not talk about tomorrow
Let me not think about tomorrow
Let me not write about tomorrow
For sufficient for today is the evil of yesterday.
And my favourite lines are from Windtalk:
I am to talebearers as the kiss of a beautiful woman;
Too powerful to resist,
Too passionate to forget.
Advice: If you can, buy the book. It's good.
Posted by: Michael Dom | 01 October 2016 at 07:40 AM