Peter Porter's posthumous collection of poems, 'Chorale at the Crossing', are centered around the topic of death: his mother died at the age of nine (she also had five miscarriages), a close friend and his first wife both committed suicide, and most of these poems were written shortly before Porter's death. Porter's life story has you asking, "how much grief can one person sustain?" Porter, no doubt through these ordeals, wrestles with his vulnerability and his struggles with the idea of home throughout these poems. Other themes explored throughout the collection include: European High Art, life, and love. Some notable poems include, 'For Christine', 'Hermit Crab', 'A Daughter's Life', 'Some Men in Starbucks', 'The Singverein of Abstinence'—which includes a heavy swipe at Ted Hughes—, and 'Australian Literary Graffiti'. **** "I have caught a late boat and see you/against the rail: you are both me/and the sea.../Our love is based on the different ways we cross a road." **** #reallyshortreviews #australianpoerty #poetry #peterporter #choraleatthecrossing
