A new book of poems by NZ poet Ron Riddell has been awarded The House of Poetry International Award (USA) for 2005.

Leaves of Light (64pp), is the 15th collection of poetry by the internationally-celebrated NZ poet Ron Riddell. Published in June, 2005 in Los Angeles by Caza de Poesia, it is the third bi-lingual volume (English/Spanish) to be published by the poet.

Image: Ron Riddell playing in Original Sun with brother Alastair Riddell circa 1967A new book of poems by NZ poet Ron Riddell has been awarded The House of Poetry International Award (USA) for 2005.

Leaves of Light (64pp), is the 15th collection of poetry by the internationally-celebrated NZ poet Ron Riddell. Published in June, 2005 in Los Angeles by Caza de Poesia, it is the third bi-lingual volume (English/Spanish) to be published by the poet.

Image: Ron Riddell playing in Original Sun with brother Alastair Riddell circa 1967The poems were written in NZ and Latin America between 2000 and 2004.

Leaves of Light is a fresh, lively and lyrical collection of poems, which celebrates the natural world. It also deals with themes of oppression and exile; encouraging a peaceful approach to such human challenges and injustices. With tones of humour, compassion and warmth, the poems celebrate human diversity and sharing.

Ron Riddell is founder and director of The Wellington International Poetry Festival. He and his Colombian wife, Saray Torres, organize annually this important new festival on the international cultural scene. In 2004 he was finalist in The Wellingtonian of the Year Awards. In 2005, Riddell participated in The Austin International Poetry Festival, Texas, USA, El Encuentro Internacional de Poetas en El Salvador and the United States National Poetry Month, in Los Angeles, featuring in events such as The Metro Poetry in Motion and the Poetry Showcase at the Alex Haleigh Gallery in Gardena.

Ron Riddell has previously published two very popular bi-lingual collections of poetry, El Milagro de Medellin, Medellin, Colombia, 2002 and Spirit Songs, Medellin, Colombia, 2004. The latter was launched in Los Angeles in February, 2004 at the Residence of The New Zealand Consulate General, Los Angeles.

Signed copies of Leaves of Light can be purchased for $(NZ)24.95 each plus postage.

For more information phone 04 577 1747 or email: poetfest@paradise.net.nz