in the cracks of light, Apirana Taylor's seventh book of poetry, shows one of Aotearoa New Zealand's most prolific and versatile writers at his best. The seventy-three short poems here challenge our conceptions of poetic form. They are minimalist in construction but ambitious in emotional impact. They burst out of their small spaces like gas expanding in a cylinder and pushing a piston. They expertly inhabit both the natural and the political worlds, sometimes simultaneously, because Taylor is wise enough to know that they can't be separated, especially in a colonised land. A new volume by Apirana Taylor is an occasion. Relish it.

‘in the cracks of light presents heart-centred poems that are deeply rooted in te taiao. Reading this book will give you the strength both to fight your battles and observe the world around you with fresh insight. These short verses are profound soul nourishment.’ —Kiri Piahana-Wong
‘Api's short, spare poems compel you to take notice of who you are, where you come from and what's going on. They engage, entrance and outrage you, all at once.’ —Morrin Rout


About the author
Apirana Taylor is a poet, playwright, novelist, short story writer, storyteller, actor, painter and musician. His prose and poems have been translated into many languages and are included in many nationally and internationally published anthologies. Api travels to schools, tertiary institutions and prisons throughout New Zealand to read his poetry, tell his stories and take creative writing workshops. He has now published seven collections of poetry, three collections of short stories, two novels and three plays. Api is of Māori and Pākehā descent, with proud affiliation to Ngāti Porou, Te Whānau-ā-Apanui and Ngāti Ruanui.