Airini Beautrais recently shared her new poetry collection, *Salt Quilt*, which includes her work titled *Cancer Moon: Poet Life*. This poem, crafted during a writers' retreat at Turakina Beach, is described by Beautrais as a “little autobiography about my career as a poet.” It has quickly become one of the most popular pieces on the Newsroom website since its publication.
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Beautrais, an established poet with five collections to her name, expresses that the format and accessible language of *Cancer Moon: Poet Life* may contribute to its appeal. In an interview with RNZ’s Afternoons, she explained that she began working on the poem while enjoying the camaraderie of fellow poets, ultimately producing a draft overnight, which she revisited multiple times.
She notes that this poem serves as a central piece in her collection. Beautrais chose not to use rhyme in *Cancer Moon: Poet Life*, preferring a more relaxed structure. She stated that incorporating rhyme would have been time-consuming and challenging, as finding suitable rhymes that do not come off as trite can be difficult.
Reflecting on the nature of poetry, Beautrais emphasized its democratic quality, valuing the connection it can build with readers. She mentioned her history with reading reviews and how she has since decided to avoid them, both positive and negative, to focus on her creative work without distraction.
*Salt Quilt*, published by Te Herenga Waka University Press, is now available, further establishing Beautrais’ presence in contemporary poetry.