Shaine Melrose book launch

Shaine Melrose had her first poetry collection published in FSP New Poets 23 in 2022. Now she is inviting you to the launch of her full-length collection The Natural World Somersaults, to be launched by Dr Rachael Mead, with readings from Shaine and friends.

Come along and celebrate this fabulous achievement!

Click here to book your spot (free!) or pre-order a signed book ($20).

Signed books also will be available on the night.

From the cover:

“The Natural World Somersaults is a book of hard-won, resonant and powerful writing.… Click for more

“Poetry on the Fleurieu” is back – featuring new book launch by Steve Evans

Free admission.

Poetry On The Fleurieu Open Mic gigs are starting up again at a lovely new intimate cafe venue run by Gemma and Blake in Victor Harbor.

The 1st gig in ages will also be the Southern Launch of Steve Evans‘ latest poetry book, The Crow On The Cross.

Come on down and share your poetry with others, or kick back and allow the words of others to wash over your soul.

Enjoy coffee, tea, cakes, toasties and poetry on a Sunday afternoon in beautiful downtown Victor Harbor.… Click for more

Poem of the Month – August 2025 – Gail Walker

The Poem of the Month for August 2024, selected by 2024 Anthology editors Ivan Rehorek (Avalanche) and Martha Landman, is Content Warning by Gail Walker. The commended poems are Poetry Lesson by Steve Evans and It’s vain to ask a poet to say less by Stef Rozitis.


Content Warning
Gail Walker

This poem contains – adult themes
This poem contains – nudity
This poem contains – harsh language
This poem contains – domestic violence
This poem contains – suicide ideation
This poem contains – mental health issues
This poem contains – child sexual abuse
This poem contains – rape
This poem contains – murder

Sorry there is no time left for 
This poem.… Click for more

Launch of Anthology 48 – Mimesis – and Satura Prize winning poem.

Friendly Street Anthology 48 – Mimesis, was launched on Monday, 5th Augus, 2024, at the Box Factory in Adelaide to a full house. Judge Mike Ladd, a founding member of Friendly Street Poets, a widely published poet and former producer of ABC’s Radio National programme Poetica, awarded the  Satura Prize to Helen Hutton for Going Home, a poem which addresses the insidious and socially silent crime of Domestic Violence but which is finally in the social and literary zeitgeist. Helen also won the Satura Prize last year for her poem, For Grace, in Anthology 47, Round the Bend, edited by Veronica and David Cookson.… Click for more

FSP September City Meeting and Open Mic

Monday, 2nd September, 2024
from 6:00pm

The Box Factory
59 Regent St, Adelaide, SA 5000

All welcome!

$5 to read. 3 minutes per poet.
Free to listen.

You must be a member of FSP to submit your poems for consideration for publication in the annual anthology. Bring two printed copies of your poems with your name and contact details to submit for next year’s anthology, or submit them electronically via the form below after the session.


Click for more

Poem of the Month – July 2024 – Helen Hutton

The Poem of the Month for July 2024, selected by 2024 Anthology editors Ivan Rehorek (Avalanche) and Martha Landman, is My grandfather’s second wife by Helen Hutton. The commended poems are A Life by Steve Evans and Hills Hippy Open Garden by David Winderlich.


My grandfather’s second wife
Helen Hutton

1972
In your biscuit-warm kitchen, lined with rose-pink tiles and flooded with sunlight, you
shaped lavender-infused dough with vitiligo hands. You streaked my nose with a line of flour
and said I looked like a Scottish Highlander. When you touched my cheek, your hands felt
warm like butter balls.… Click for more