Foreword (1991)
For the last few years I have lived up in the Blackall Ranges - the beautiful hinterland of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland. This has become an Australian centre for small co-operatives, for city refugees and for those who seek close community. But such alternative 'utopias' and community paradises are seldom places for refuge. Time's messengers soon knock on the door with the reminder that outward conditions cannot change the inner shadow.
These poems were written sporadically over one tumultuous year. I am grateful that all years are not like this one but for this one I cannot help but give thanks. I also give thanks to a friend and lover. Without his gifts and mirrors there would have been nothing to write about.
Extracts from readers' letters
I think your new book of poetry is great. I can feel and respond to your highs and lows and I admire your courage in sharing them. The poetry used to express them is outstanding in any company. It is simple and direct and consciously or unconsciously you have used a writing style that expresses and complements your feelings perfectly. June Elder, Maleny, Qld. Australia.
Everyone here who has seen your book has liked it. You appeal to a wide audience. Bill McCaskill, Vic. Australia
Mary's writings come together
Review by Diane Priestley (Published Sunshine Coast Daily, QLD. 1991)
Mary Garden, with the nursery rhyme name evocative of childhood magic, is quite contrary to the extent she likes to do things her own way.
The self-publishing writer, who lives at Conondale, has just released her second book, Coming Together: a Journey through Passion, which she has financed herself. "I like to have control of the process; to choose my own illustrator and my own editors," Mary said.
"People confuse self-publishing with vanity publishing. But vanity publishing is usually when someone gets so many rejections and their work isn't worth publishing. You need to have a certain amount of objective input to be sure your work has literary merit."
Mary's provocative book of poems traces the development of a new relationship with all its ecstasy, confrontation and tumult. It is delightfully illustrated by Peter Hoffmann whose nude cartoons add a cheeky, whimsical and comical dimension.
Coming Together was launched in June in true Blackall Range style. Amid sweeping mountain views at Montville, guests came dressed as wood nymphs, gypsies and fairytale princes.
The book has been described by author-editor Elsie Brimblecombe as: "The coming together of her present self with her past selves; coming together with her lover and coming together with the fears and anguish that are part of the human condition."
Says Mary: "My writing is very personal. It is very threatening from some people but I have discovered from the extraordinary letters I receive from readers that such writing has the power for people to examine their own experiences, in some sense touch those universals which make us human."
Review by Elsie Brimblecombe
(Published in the Hinterland Herald 19th November 1992)
A locally produced volume of poetry written by Mary Garden, illustrated by Peter Hoffmann and published by Mary Garden, who are based in the Maleny region.
The title is well chosen. The poems are about love, life and relationships.
It seems with all relationships, there has been one before, or many. It is perhaps this contemporary, almost universal law, that gives such soul to the juxtaposition of succinct, and meaningful words and illustrations that, in their simplicity, evoke a far greater depth and reaction.
While the book in itself is one of the 'self-discovery' of the author it also offers the opportunity for the reader to similarly discover aspects of themselves.
As a book written by a women, it provides a great insight for any male reader - from guilt to understanding, or perhaps anything in between.
The poet explores the coming together of her present self with her past selves; coming together with her lover and coming to terms with the fears and anguish that are part of the human condition.
In the process she also captures a range of emotions that perceptive recipients of relationships in the modern age could relate to.
Also there is much wisdom in these poems. ...
How true!
There is honesty:
The collaboration between Mary Garden as poet and Peter Hoffmann as the artist is very successful. Peter Hoffmann with a cartoonist's incisive wit has illustrated the poems with humour, compassion and skill.
One of the exceptional qualities of the book is that although the contents reflect upon human relationships, there is no sentimentality or evasion.
Some people may be shocked by a few of the poems. Mary Garden has taken up the challenge presented by a small number of Australian women to "write about the beauty and power of sex without using the language of guilt of hostility" or shame.
Similarly the cartoons may offend some, but most people I'm sure will enjoy Peter Hoffmann's endearing little couple, stripped to reveal not only their bodies but also their souls as well.
It is beautifully designed and presented in a hot pink cover. Inside is spare and uncluttered. The impact of "Coming Together" is direct and strong.
****
