Geoff Cochrane come with history in tow for the launch of his new book of poetry The Black and the White, his seventeenth, on Thursday 14th March 2019. Geoff brings a presence to his readings; age, style, and bluntness penetrate his words. The mighty but modest crowed absorbed every utterance.
Author Carl Shuker introduced the launch, a pull of praise and admiration flowed through his extensive words. Images of troubled pasts, and a bizarre present were painted in Carl’s introduction; named but unknown indie bands, influential religious figures, vaping problems, and loose grasps of Latin, lead the charge among a torrent of humility and praise.
Geoff followed Carl’s preamble with a number of poems from his new book. Geoff’s poetry shows off his mastery of the form. His “work-a-day brutality” shining through with visually bombarding similes.
Geoff’s journey is a long one, The Black and the White launch a mere speck, but it is one we more than wish to keep going, and one we hope to be a part of for years to come.
Carl Shuker introduces the launch of Geoff Cochrane’s The Black and the White
A crowed absorbed
Geoff reads from his new book
A smiling Geoff sign some of his books
The Black & the White is published by Victoria University press and is available for $25
Words & pictures by George Cunningham
