Issue 12 of Blackmail Press is out, with guest editor Mark Pirie of Headworx handing over his personal pick from the considerable pool of poetry at his busy fingertips. It’s a great lineup, but from the sublime to the (I’m sorry, make your own mind up) ridiculous, it just goes to show that poetry is so, well, subjective. Right?

If you’ve written some, and think it might be crap, or it’s just that you can’t see the forest for the trees right now, maybe you need some creative criticism. The NZ Poetry Society has just the thing. They can provide you with an experienced poet who will look at your work and be … supportive. You can expect ‘focused and constructive feedback from an individual member of an experienced and published panel of poets selected for their proven teaching skills’. And yes, you do have to pay these people for their time.

Here’s what you do: choose up to 100 lines of poetry (500 words max) for consideration. Identify the areas on which you particularly want feedback, e.g. choice of subject, format, use of words, clarity, imagery, rhythm, tone, impact: whatever. Then fill in the application form and send off together with two copies of your work and your cheque (no staples, please) to Poetry Advisory Service, NZPS, PO Box 5283, Lambton Quay, Wellington. The charge for NZPS members is $65, non-members for $75.

You can, if you wish, send your poems by e-mail to info@poetrysociety.org.nz and post the completed application form and cheque separately. You should receive a written critique of your work within 4-6 weeks. But brace yourself: the rather ominous warning is that it will be ‘an honest, constructive response. We cannot guarantee that the critique will be full of praise and, inevitably, the response will be subjective.’ Ah, that old devil, subjectivity. But hey, where would we be without it? Perhaps I shall construct a cunning poem upon the theme. I'm damn sure I wouldn't show it to you if I did, however!