Poūkahangatus by Tayi Tibble

Tayi Tibble is a force to be reckoned with. She crafts poems from words the way Hendrix plucked musical magic from the strings of his guitars. Other reviewers have said, “required reading for NZers”, “the talent is undeniable”, “breathtaking”, “book of highlights”, and, my favourite: “qweer n millennial n great”.

Tibble has been making waves in the New Zealand poetry scene in recent years. She is only 24, but this, her first book of poetry, reads like that of someone much older, despite the references to Kim Kardashian, Twilight, and The Pussycat Dolls’ Nicole Scherzinger. It seems to draw from a rich and deep understanding of relationships between all kinds of people, and between people and media. Every time you think you know what to expect, she surprises you.

The collection is a deeply personal discourse on colonisation, with a solid foundation and academic understanding of what it means to be brown, young, a woman, and navigating the world in your own skin. I say deeply personal, but that doesn’t mean every poem is about Tibble herself. She writes a variety of characters from different eras and different stages of life. Her recent experiences of high school and adolescence nestle comfortably next to poems set in the 60s and 70s.

Poūkahangatus is unafraid and powerful. You might not like every poem, but you will find something in this little book that speaks to you. I will treasure this collection and look forward to whatever Tibble comes out with next.

 Reviewed by Emma

Catalogue link: Poūkahangatus