blackmail press 37
Maureen Sudlow
New Zealand

Mere & Child - Penny Howard
Maureen Sudlow was Christchurch born and bred, but is now a resident of the Kaipara, and has lived and travelled extensively throughout New Zealand.  She is a member of The New Zealand Society of Authors (Northland), and the New Zealand Poetry Society, and writes mainly poetry and text for children’s picture books.  She has a Diploma in Creative Writing from Whitireia, and was short-listed for the 2012 Joy Cowley Award.   She was one of the four finalists in the 2010 "Australian Cricket Poetry Award". 
REMNANTS


What is it drawing us
to the hills
to the sea

to the beaten down
remnants, of homes and churches
gates loosely swinging
on protesting poles

to the weathered hulks
frames for seaweed, hanging
sweet salt tasting
among barnacled rocks

places to hide
in the curve of the hills
of retreating cliffs
overhang

where the ghosts
are all that is left

to hear the nor’wester
moaning through
the ribs of the past

what is it that draws us
blood calls to blood






index