Riemke Ensing: O Lucky Man
Written by Emma Whitlock
This series of poems are taken from O Lucky Man - Poems for Charles Brasch by Riemke Ensing, a limited edition book published in celebration of Charles Brasch's centennial. They are 'written by desire' of Donald Kerr, Keeper of the Books at Special Collections, University of Otago Library. The book was designed & letterpress printed (100 copies only) by Tara McLeod, Printer in Residence at Otakou Press, September 2009. Images are by Inge Doesburg.
Born in the Netherlands, poet Riemke Ensing has distinctively synthesised European and New Zealand influences. After arriving here in 1951, Ensing came to attention as editor of the first New Zealand anthology of women poets, Private Gardens. She has published numerous collections, often engaging with art, politics and other poets, and her selected poems were published in 2000 as Talking Pictures. Ensing has taught New Zealand literature at Auckland University and in 2002 she received the Buddle Findlay Sargeson Fellowship. (New Zealand Book Council).
Riemke is interviewed for the Cultural Icons project by Denys Trussell, also a poet. The two converse easily on Riemke’s journey as an immigrant, an English teacher and a poet. You can find the interview at www.culturalicons.co.nz/episode/riemke-ensing.
Images and poems are not to be reproduced.
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