In case of fire : poems from the Blue Mountains, an anthology / Edited by Michelle Rickerby, illustrations by Michel Streich

Fire symbolises many things – hell, destruction, purification; but also passion, desire and rebirth. It is the perfect metaphor for what can happen when we face our fears and step beyond them. The Blue Mountains, situated just outside of Sydney, Australia, is a place with increasing seasonal bushfire risk, yet many call it home and can imagine nowhere more beautiful to live, no community as tight. In Case of Fire rose from the ashes of the Black Summer fires, the floods, the pandemic. It features a selection of works from 17 poets based in the Blue Mountains, accompanied by drawings from illustrator Michel Streich. The poems embrace humour and sorrow with equal vigour, remaining open and present to all life’s interactions. In Case Of Fire is not a manual for what to do in times of strife, it is something to reach for to soothe the soul. Poems by the following writers are included in this anthology: Craig Billingham, Emma Brazil, David Brooks, Kate Fagan, Philip Hammial, Vanessa Kirkpatrick, Sheridan Linnell, Justin Lowe, Carol Major, Peter Minter, Mark O’Flynn, Kasia Olszewski, Meredith Pitt, Michelle Rickerby, James Roy, John Watson and Faye Wilson. (Spinebill Press website)