Glass Flowers
Glass Flowers
Description
In Glass Flowers, Diane Fahey explores many kinds of space - the enclosed spaces of rooms, art galleries, hospital wards, prehistoric caves, the airy, flowing spaces of gardens, and the sky's infinite life. Her intense engagement with the natural world moves in new directions, 'as we approach the summer years'. While some poems convey the freedom of the present moment - imaged by the long glide of a kelp gull, 'a yielding, shaping gesture' - others invoke the uncanny, as in 'Unearthly' where clouds at sunset, photographed from a space station, send out into space thousand-mile shadows / cutting through that cold radiance, / probing the void. Fahey also directs her gaze at various kinds of creativity - in particular, paintings that explore the inner life of rooms, and self-portraits built from coils and surges of / colour incarnate. The title sequence, based on paintings inspired by the Glass Flowers exhibit at the Harvard Museum of Natural History, combines a far-reaching imaginative ambit with an accent of contemplative calm:
And the long stems
seemingly
lit from within -
they too know the touch
of sky-shine, the quixotic
life of clouds.
Let's call it
the provisional sublime.
Finally, A Death in Winter, a sequence on the life and death of Leo Semanpillai, a Tamil refugee to Australia, brings forward a tragic narrative of oppression endured to the furthest limit of courage and hope, one that is emblematic of our times.
Customers Also Viewed
BookLoop is your trusted local Australian destination for books, games, toys, puzzles, tarot cards, stationery, and thoughtful gifts, offering a huge range of carefully curated products for curious minds of all ages. As a proudly Australian-owned bookstore, we are passionate about connecting our community with inspiring reads, creative play, and unique finds that bring joy, spark imagination, and support lifelong learning. Whether you're shopping for bestselling fiction, children’s picture books, educational resources, or non-fiction titles that encourage mental health, mindfulness, and personal growth, our ever-expanding book collection has something for everyone—including titles from local Australian authors that celebrate homegrown talent and storytelling. But we’re more than just a bookstore—our diverse range includes engaging puzzles for solo or family fun, educational and screen-free toys designed to develop skills and creativity, and family-friendly board games that bring people together. If you're looking for something with a little extra meaning, our beautifully illustrated tarot cards and oracle decks are perfect for beginners and seasoned readers alike, with options chosen for their artistry, symbolism, and accessibility. We also carry a range of gifts and stationery, from handcrafted journals and high-quality pens to bookmarks, greeting cards, candles, and calming tools, making it easy to find the perfect present for birthdays, celebrations, or simply because. Every product on our shelves is selected with care, quality, and purpose, making BookLoop a one-stop shop for thoughtful, meaningful shopping that supports creativity and wellbeing. We believe in the value of small business and community connection, which is why we’re committed to sourcing products that reflect our values and offering the kind of friendly, personalised service that big retailers can’t match. When you shop with us, you’re not only choosing beautifully curated items—you’re supporting a local Australian business that genuinely cares. We ship Australia-wide with a flat rate to keep things simple and affordable, and every order is carefully packed and quickly dispatched by our small, dedicated team. Our online shopping experience is safe, easy, and user-friendly, making it convenient to explore our wide range of books, gifts, and games from the comfort of home. We’ve seen a growing demand for titles and toys that support mental health, especially in children and teens, and we’re proud to stock a growing number of books on ADHD, emotional regulation, positive thinking, and self-esteem, as well as calming puzzles and sensory-friendly gifts that are both fun and supportive. Whether you're looking to inspire a young reader, encourage imaginative play, find your next favourite novel, or gift someone something truly special, BookLoop has you covered. Thank you for choosing to shop local and support a business that believes in the power of stories, creativity, and connection—explore our full collection today and experience the difference of thoughtful, heart-led retail with BookLoop.