46

I turn 46.

I’ve never liked birthdays.

Denis Glover

said: ‘Each day is a holiday

from the grave.’

James K. Baxter

only lived 46 years.

When I was younger

and reading his poems

I often wondered

what it would be like

to reach 46.

Sam Hunt said

‘You’re just out of school.’

It’s true.

Jim’s heart gave out.

Sam and Denis kept on.

I keep on.

 

Mark Pirie is an internationally published New Zealand poet, editor, publisher and archivist for PANZA (Poetry Archive of NZ Aotearoa). In 2016, his selected poems, Rock & Roll, was published by Bareknuckle Books, Australia. Other books include a biography, Tom Lawn, Mystery Forward (ESAW, 2018), an artbook Folk Punk (2020) and Gallery (poetry) published by Salt, England, 2003. He is a former founder/editor of JAAM, 1995-2005, publisher for HeadworX, and edited broadsheet: new new zealand poetry from 2008 to 2022. His new book is Black Gold, forthcoming from Earl of Seacliff Art Workshop.

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