Winner of the 2011 Thomas Shapcott Poetry Prize
PRAISE FOR WATER MIRRORS
‘At once domestic and cosmic, these poems “burgeon like ferns in bitumen”, modest yet extraordinarily forceful, ruled by a gentle but masterly technique.’ Thomas Shapcott Poetry Prize Judges’ Comments 2011
‘A book that demands to be read slowly. Powell's poetry is deeply subjective, interested in the interstices of life, those moments of awareness difficult to tie down in words.’ Canberra Times
‘Water Mirrors marks the debut of a skilled poet who has the capacity to develop a strong significance for Australian poetry.’ Phillip Ellis
‘This collection will dazzle and delight readers interested in stylistic experiments and depth of insight.’ Femail
‘An auspicious debut from a young poet deserving of our attention.’ Arts Hub
‘Powell has a way of seeing things and a facility with language that has Water Mirrors stuffed to the point of bursting with garden-fresh images.’ Weekend Australian
‘Inarguably a strong debut for which Nicholas Powell should be applauded.’ Rochford Street Review