In a realm that lies between worlds, this collection of poems beguiles with tales of spent and unspent desire, made and unmade wishes, promises broken and fulfilled. Time and memory merge in a fabric which clothes the dreamer with supernatural gifts, offering a journey into an interior world electric with possibilities. The reader may dream with the poet in moments of subtle reflection and joyous epiphany."This is an eclectic collection deeply concerned with perceptions of time, self and memory. Motivated by current and ancient periods; anecdotal and historical, the poetry engages with diverse material ranging from contemporary news reports and popular culture to myths from the Graeco-Roman and Celtic traditions. These are interweaved and reframe understandings of myth and mysticism between different worlds. The world of this writing takes us through epiphanies and imaginative journeys over land, in the air and at sea. Particularly satisfying is Barton's aesthetic in raising questions of consciousness in the existential void left by the post-truth era."Dr Lauren Clark, lecturer, Integrative Centre for Humanities."Elizabeth Barton is a painter of remarkable talent. Just as her paintings show an extraordinary ability to turn the mundane into the surreal, so Barton's poetry shines a light on the dingy, the ordinary and mundane, and turns it into gold. Her poetry reverberates like music and we sing and dance with her. Barton, the artist, has an eye for detail and colour and shows the same mastery over words. Her subtle control over her images of colour, juxtaposition, form, playfulness, wildness and freedom seduce us into her world. This is what poetry is; the music, the taste and the colour of words. Barton's poetry is luminous."Jenny Harrison, author of Out of Poland and The Ninth Candle."Elizabeth Barton's poetry is lush - decadent, even - crammed full of bizarre, colourful imagery that plucks you out of the ordinary and whirls you into the arcane. She also has a wicked sense of humour."Josie Ashworth, Poet and Librarian, Te Aroha Library.
