2012 Shortlist

International Shortlist | Canadian Shortlist | Anthology | Photo Gallery

Click any book title to purchase that book online.
Click a poet’s name or picture for biographies, judges’ citations and poetry excerpts.

International Shortlist

	International Winner Book: Night Poet: David Harsent Publisher: Faber and Faber
	Book: The Chameleon Couch Poet: Yusef Komunyakaa Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux
	Book: November Poet: Sean O’Brien Publisher: Picador
	Book: Sobbing Superpower: Selected Poems of Tadeusz Różewicz Translator: Joanna Trzeciak Poet: Tadeusz Różewicz Publisher: W.W. Norton & Company

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Canadian Shortlist

	Canadian Winner Book: Methodist Hatchet Poet: Ken Babstock Publisher: House of Anansi Press
	Book: Killdeer Poet: Phil Hall Publisher: BookThug
	Book: Forge Poet: Jan Zwicky Publisher: Gaspereau Press

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Griffin Poetry Prize 2012 Anthology

The Griffin Poetry Prize Anthology 2012 Edited by David O’Meara House of Anansi Press Royalties from The Griffin Poetry Prize Anthology will be donated to UNESCO’s World Poetry Day, created to support linguistic diversity through poetic expression, and to offer endangered languages the opportunities to be heard in their communities.

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Griffin Poetry Prize 2012 Photo Gallery

• Griffin Trust For Excellence In Poetry founder Scott Griffin, Griffin trustee Robert Hass

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  Griffin Trust For Excellence In Poetry founder Scott Griffin and eminent US poet and Griffin trustee Robert Hass debate the merits of the 2012 shortlisted poetry collections.

  

• Krystyne Griffin, Griffin Poetry Prize 2012 judge Heather McHugh, Griffin Poetry Prize 2012 shortlisted poet Yusef Komunyakaa

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  Krystyne Griffin invites Griffin Poetry Prize 2012 judge Heather McHugh and Griffin Poetry Prize 2012 International shortlisted poet Yusef Komunyakaa from the US to relax and enjoy the festivities before the evening's readings.

  

• Dorothy Jeffreys of the Ottawa Public Library, Griffin Poetry Prize 2012 judge David O'Meara, writer Linda Spalding

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  Dorothy Jeffreys of the Ottawa Public Library and writer Linda Spalding congratulate Griffin Poetry Prize 2012 judge David O'Meara on reading 481 works of poetry as part of his judging duties.

  

• Griffin Poetry Prize 2001 shortlisted poet/translator Robert Bringhurst, Griffin Poetry Prize 2012 shortlisted poet Phil Hall

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  Renowned poet and translator Robert Bringhurst commends Phil Hall on the stellar year he's enjoyed with his much praised and nominated collection, Killdeer.

  

• Griffin Poetry Prize 2012 shortlisted poet Jan Zwicky, Robert Bringhurst, Robert Hass

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  Jan Zwicky, Robert Bringhurst and Robert Hass discuss what an astoundingly wonderful venue Koerner Hall is for poetry readings.

  

• Griffin trustees Margaret Atwood and Robin Robertson

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  Griffin trustees Margaret Atwood and Robin Robertson agree that the much anticipated Lifetime Recognition award announcement later that evening will truly bring the house down.

  

• Robert Bringhurst, Griffin Poetry Prize 2011 shortlisted poet Seamus Heaney, Griffin Trust manager Ruth Smith

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  Although he was much missed in 2011, Seamus Heaney is reassured by Robert Bringhurst and Ruth Smith that he will always be warmly welcomed at any Griffin occasion.

  

• Griffin Poetry Prize 2012 judge Fiona Sampson, Scott Griffin, Griffin Poetry Prize 2012 shortlisted poets David Harsent and Sean O'Brien, Simon Harsent

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  Fiona Sampson, Scott Griffin, David Harsent, Sean O'Brien and Simon Harsent heartily toast this fine celebration of poetry from around the world.

  

• Griffin Poetry Prize 2012 shortlisted poet Ken Babstock

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  Griffin Poetry Prize 2012 shortlisted poet Ken Babstock contemplates some last-minute changes to his reading selections.

  

• Koerner Hall at the Royal Conservatory, venue for the 2012 readings

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  Scott Griffin welcomes an attentive and poetry-loving audience to an evening of readings ... and surprises ... at beautiful Koerner Hall at the Royal Conservatory in Toronto.

  

• Fiona Sampson introduces David Harsent

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  Griffin Poetry Prize judge Fiona Sampson introduces International shortlisted poet David Harsent of the UK.

  

• David Harsent

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  David Harsent's reading draws the audience into the lush and haunting garden that is the poetry of his shortlisted collection Night.

  

• David O'Meara introduces Yusef Komunyakaa

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  Griffin Poetry Prize judge David O'Meara introduces International shortlisted poet Yusef Komunyakaa of the US.

  

• Yusef Komunyakaa

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  Yusef Komunyakaa offers one of the evening's most mesmerizing readings with arresting selections from his collection The Chameleon Couch.

  

• Sean O'Brien

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  Sean O'Brien reads selections from November ranging from stirring and heartfelt to impish, with the most distinguished addition yet to those who have paid tribute to Marmite.

  

• Heather McHugh introduces Joanna Trzeciak

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  Griffin Poetry Prize judge Heather McHugh introduces International shortlisted translator Joanna Trzeciak of the US, who will read her translations of the work of Polish poet Tadeusz Rozewicz.

  

• Banner with translator Joanna Trzeciak and poet Tadeusz Rozewicz

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  The iconic Griffin Poetry Prize banners are part of every year's festivities. This one celebrates the combined work of translator Joanna Trzeciak and poet Tadeusz Rozewicz.

  

• Joanna Trzeciak

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  Joanna Trzeciak captivates the Koerner Hall audience with her memorable translations of Tadeusz Rozewicz's poetry, and includes a moving excerpt read in the original Polish.

  

• Griffin Poetry Prize 2011 winner Karen Solie, Christine Pountney, Laura Repas

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  Literary and publishing friends Karen Solie, Christine Pountney and Laura Repas (whose spouse Ken Babstock is on the Canadian shortlist) are aglow with delight in the midst of the poetry celebrations.

  

• Poetry book tables

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  The amply stocked book tables are usually depleted by the end of the Griffin Poetry Prize readings every year.

  

• Poetry lovers

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  These poetry lovers are proud that they snagged tickets for one of the premier events on the Canadian and international arts calendars.

  

• Koerner Hall audience

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  Is there anything more beautiful than a gorgeous concert hall packed to the rafters with poetry fans?

  

• Robin Robertson

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  Griffin trustee Robin Robertson makes the much anticipated Griffin Lifetime Recognition award announcement ...

  

• Scott Griffin and Robin Robertson welcome Lifetime Recognition award winner Seamus Heaney

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  Griffin trustee Robin Robertson pays tribute to Lifetime Recognition award recipient Seamus Heaney of Ireland, who is then greeted with a resounding and delighted ovation.

  

• Griffin Lifetime Recognition award recipient Seamus Heaney

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  Revered poet Seamus Heaney offers a warm, gracious, self-effacing acceptance speech to a thrilled Scott Griffin and audience.

  

• Ken Babstock

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  The intensity of his gaze and delivery match the selections Canadian shortlisted poet Ken Babstock brings to life from his collection Methodist Hatchet.

  

• Phil Hall

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  Canadian shortlisted poet Phil Hall offered an intriguing and endearing reading from his collection Killdeer.

  

• Jan Zwicky

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  Canadian shortlisted poet Jan Zwicky entrances with hypnotic selections from her collection Forge.

  

• Margaret Atwood presents the poets with special editions of their nominated works

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  Griffin trustee Margaret Atwood presented to each shortlisted poet a handcrafted leather bound edition of his or her nominated work.

  

• Scott Griffin with the Griffin Poetry Prize 2012 judges and shortlisted poets

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  Scott Griffin proudly presents the Griffin Poetry Prize 2012 judges and shortlisted poets after another evening of unforgettable poetry.

  

• Poets meet their fans

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  A highlight of the Griffin Poetry Prize readings is actually afterwards, when the fans get to meet and talk with the poets and get books signed, a great memento of a special evening.

  

• Poets meet their admirers

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  The poets get to hear firsthand how much their poetry strikes a chord with their readers.

  

• Florence and Noah Richler, Seamus Heaney

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  Florence and Noah Richler are thrilled at the chance to meet Seamus Heaney.

  

• Attendees get to meet the poets

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  Every year, attendees relish the opportunity to meet the poets and get their books signed.

  

• Writer Catherine Bush, Ken Babstock

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  Writer Catherine Bush congratulates Ken Babstock on his shortlist nomination and his incredible reading.

  

• Yusef Komunyakaa

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  Griffin Poetry Prize 2012 International shortlisted poet Yusef Komunyakaa greets some of his avid fans.

  

• David O'Meara, Charmaine Tierney, Matthew Tierney, Dorothy Jeffreys

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  David O'Meara, Charmaine Tierney, Matthew Tierney and Dorothy Jeffreys raise a toast to another stellar evening of Griffin poetry.

  

• The Stone Distillery, awards venue for the Griffin Poetry Prize

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  The Griffin Poetry Prize awards evening serves up vibrant touches, from the tables to the podium to the dance floor.

  

• The Stone Distillery, awards venue for the Griffin Poetry Prize

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  The Griffin Poetry Prize awards evening at the Stone Distillery is always a colourful celebration of poetry and the people who create it.

  

• The Stone Distillery

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  The decor of the Griffin Poetry Prize awards evening always amuses, dazzles and delights - much like the best poetry.

  

• The Stone Distillery stage setting

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  The Stone Distillery stage setting ... from which good news will be coming momentarily!

  

• Mariachi band at the Stone Distillery

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  Poetry revelers are greeted by a lively mariachi band outside the Stone Distillery.

  

• Poet Priscila Uppal, editor Douglas Gibson, public affairs expert Jane Brenneman Gibson

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  Douglas Gibson and Jane Brenneman Gibson commend Griffin Poetry Prize 2007 shortlisted poet Priscila Uppal for getting into the colourful spirit of the occasion.

  

• Leslie Lester and Albert Schultz of Soulpepper Theatre, poets Karen Solie and David Seymour

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  Griffin Poetry Prize 2010 winner Karen Solie happily returns to the Griffin festivities with David Seymour, and catches up with Leslie Lester and Albert Schultz of Soulpepper.

  

• Yusef Komunyakaa, Scott Griffin

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  Scott Griffin warmly welcomes Griffin Poetry Prize 2012 International shortlisted poet Yusef Komunyakaa.

  

• Jan Zwicky, Robert Bringhurst, Scott Griffin

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  Scott Griffin guides Griffin Poetry Prize 2012 Canadian shortlisted poet Jan Zwicky and her partner Robert Bringhurst into the glowing poetry extravaganza.

  

• Scott and Krystyne Griffin

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  Scott and Krystyne Griffin graciously greet every guest.

  

• Michael Ondaatje, Linda Spalding

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  Griffin trustee Michael Ondaatje and writer Linda Spalding are already positive this is going to be their favourite Griffin soiree yet.

  

• Jess Atwood Gibson, Graeme Gibson

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  Jess Atwood Gibson and Graeme Gibson survey the increasingly lively Griffin Poetry Prize festivities.

  

• Margaret Atwood, filmmaker Liz Marshall, Pat Pigeon, Doug Kaye

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  Margaret Atwood is caught unrepentantly tweeting by Liz Marshall and her film crew.

  

• Designer Sinclair Russell, Griffin Trust manager Ruth Smith

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  Sinclair Russell and Ruth Smith reminisce about the many beautifully adorned Griffin Poetry Prize celebrations.

  

• Writer Richard Gwyn, Monte McMurchy

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  A guest intervenes when Richard Gwyn and Monte McMurchy debate rather heatedly who will win the 2012 Canadian Griffin Poetry Prize.

  

• Poets Sandra Ridley, George Murray, Elisabeth de Mariaffi

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  Sandra Ridley, George Murray and Elisabeth de Mariaffi sashay into the proceedings, already rehearsing their poetry dance moves.

  

• Poet and translator Beatriz Hausner, fashion designer Robin Kay, Krystyne Griffin

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  Krystyne Griffin welcomes poet and translator Beatriz Hausner and fashion designer Robin Kay.

  

• Writers Gil Adamson and Kevin Connolly

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  Writer Gil Adamson and Griffin Poetry Prize 2009 shortlisted poet Kevin Connolly look forward to catching up with other poets and writers at the Griffin events every year.

  

• Victoria Webster, Gabe Gonda, Krystyne Griffin

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  Victoria Webster of Toronto Life and Gabe Gonda of the Globe and Mail get nowhere trying to get the scoop on the Griffin Poetry Prize winners from Krystyne Griffin.

  

• Musician Mike Belitsky, poet Damian Rogers

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  Musician Mike Belitsky and poet Damian Rogers, also creative director of Poetry In Voice, are particularly attuned to the evening's poetic vibe.

  

• Conrad Black, Barbara Amiel, Scott Griffin

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  Conrad Black and Barbara Amiel congratulate Scott Griffin on a celebrated and respected literary prize that seems to have been around much longer than 12 years.

  

• Sacha Douglas, Bill Douglas, Erinn Somerville

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  Sacha Douglas, Bill Douglas and Erinn Somerville are certain they know who the Griffin Poetry Prize winners are ... but aren't saying.

  

• Ellen Seligman, Christopher Doda, Camilla Gibb

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  Publisher Ellen Seligman and writers Christopher Doda and Camilla Gibb drink in the vibrant, festive atmosphere.

  

• More Griffin Poetry Prize awards evening guests

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  More Griffin Poetry Prize awards evening guests heartily toast poetry in its many and diverse forms.

  

• Bookseller Charlie Huisken, poets Liz Howard and Jacob Scheier

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  Charlie Huisken, Liz Howard and Jacob Scheier agree that the biggest winners of all are poetry readers.

  

• Adrienne Clarkson, Joanna Trzeciak, Krystyne Griffin, John Huss

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  Former Governor General Adrienne Clarkson and Krystyne Griffin congratulate International shortlisted translator Joanna Trzeciak and her husband John Huss.

  

• Scott Griffin

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  Scott Griffin takes to the podium, and the poetry loving audience holds its collective breath.

  

• Poetry In Voice champion impresses awards audience with a dazzling recitation

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  Poetry In Voice 2012 champion Alexander Gagliano dazzles the crowd with his recitation of TS Eliot's Journey of the Magi.

  

• Seamus Heaney

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  Griffin Lifetime Recognition award winner Seamus Heaney has the crowd hanging on his every poetic word.

  

• David O'Meara

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  Griffin Poetry Prize 2012 judge David O'Meara has the honour of presenting the 2012 International Griffin Poetry Prize to ...

  

• David Harsent

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  David Harsent of the UK accepts the 2012 International Griffin Poetry Prize for Night, commended by the judges as a collection of tremendous rhythmic and formal variety.

  

• David Harsent

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  David Harsent, previously on the 2008 Griffin Poetry Prize shortlist, offers a heartfelt and thoughtful acceptance speech.

  

• Fiona Sampson

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  Griffin Poetry Prize 2012 judge Fiona Sampson has the honour of presenting the 2012 Canadian Griffin Poetry Prize to ...

  

• Ken Babstock, Laura Repas

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  Freshly minted Griffin Poetry Prize Canadian winner Ken Babstock shares the first moments of surprise and delight with his partner, Laura Repas.

  

• Ken Babstock

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  Ken Babstock pauses to gather his thoughts and put them into words.

  

• Ken Babstock

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  Ken Babstock accepts the 2012 Canadian Griffin Poetry Prize for Methodist Hatchet, in which, according to the judges ... Babstock is the live wire in the gene pool: stirring things up, rocking boats, disjoining easier conjunctions, jolting the culture’s DNA.

  

• Scott Griffin presents the 2012 Griffin Poetry Prize winners, David Harsent and Ken Babstock

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  Scott Griffin proudly presents the 2012 Griffin Poetry Prize winners, David Harsent of the UK and Ken Babstock of Canada.

  

• David Harsent, David Bale

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  David Harsent shares his excitement at winning the Griffin Poetry Prize with David Bale, a broadcaster with Classical 96.3 FM.

  

• Seamus and Marie Heaney

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  Seamus and Marie Heaney made the Griffin Poetry Prize celebration very special for everyone who took part.

  

• Adam Sol, Yael Splansky, Yusef Komunyakaa

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  Poet and professor Adam Sol and Rabbi Yael Splansky congratulate and thank Yusef Komunyakaa.

  

• Joanna Trzeciak, Christopher Doda, Priscila Uppal

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  Joanna Trzeciak, Christopher Doda and Priscila Uppal definitely look ready to kick up their heels.

  

• Alana Wilcox, Laura Repas

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  Laura Repas takes queries from Coach House Books editor Alana Wilcox and other guests as to whether or not Ken Babstock truly doesn't want their son to grow up to be a poet.

  

• Domenica, Alexander and Frank Gagliano

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  Poetry In Voice champion Alexander Gagliano's parents certainly don't object that he has grown up to excel at reciting poetry.

  

• Dionne Brand, Geoffrey Taylor

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  Griffin Poetry Prize 2011 winner Dionne Brand compares notes with International Festival of Authors director Geoffrey Taylor and another guest ... and they discover they each predicted the winners differently.

  

• Writer Susan Swan, literary agent Samantha Haywood, poet George Murray

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  Susan Swan, Samantha Haywood and George Murray agree that anyone could have been the winner on the spectacular Griffin Poetry Prize 2012 shortlist.

  

• Sweet treats

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  Once the winners are announced and toasted, there are two Griffin party stampedes ... to the dessert tables ...

  

• Dancing and celebrating another fine season of poetry

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  ... and, of course, to the dance floor!

  

• Sheer poetry on the dance floor

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  Call them crazy, but they're reciting poetry on the dance floor. We kid you not.

  

• Rick Rowe, Ruth Smith

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  When Rick Rowe of Presidential Gourmet and Ruth Smith, manager of the Griffin Trust, execute their signature flourish on the dance floor, the Griffin Poetry Prize season has been given its seal of approval.

  

Click the center of the large image for a more detailed view and description.

Photo credits: Tom Sandler Photography

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