Range and sensitivity: Mark Mahemoff reviews ‘New Ordinance for the Dead’ by Ron Atilano
Much of Ron’s work has this “carved in granite quality.” Not only because of the strength of its imagery but also its conviction.
Issue 44
Peer Smits: manman
Peer Smits lives in The Netherlands and has been making art since 1982. He is a writer of prose & poetry. A scanartist, a visual poet, a composer, painter and photographer, he is also responsible for 6 Books & zines.
Threads that weave between poems: Emilie Collyer launches ‘Alight on all things precious’ by Sarah Rice
The multiple meanings of the title of Sarah’s beautiful collection introduces us to how playful and clever with language this book is, and also how every poem has multiple strands and potential interpretations.
Update on Mark’s Birthday Appeal
In celebration of his upcoming birthday, Mark Roberts is raising funds for Rochford Street Review instead of choosing Meta’s suggested charities. His goal is to gather $200 by the end of May. Donations of $5 or more will grant access to an exciting eBook Portal. Support this worthy cause!
Antonio Montaine: Lasseters Reef
Antonio Montaine is a rhythm poet whose style is shaped by the pulse of Jazz and the edge of Hip Hop. His work dives into social and political issues, carrying both urgency and groove. The son of immigrant parents, Antonio grew up in the western suburbs of Melbourne (Naarm), and those roots shape the stories of culture, struggle, resilience and belonging. His voice reminds us that rhythm itself carries history, memory and movement.
Nature, myth and everyday life: Barbara Dunne reviews ‘Ballast’ By Jamie O’Halloran
O’Halloran explores the personal grief of her own losses and widens the lens to encompass loss as part of the human condition. She is generous in her compassion for the unnamed and the unknown dead.
Turning great & small events into poetry: Beatriz Copello reviews ‘Ring the Bells’ by Colleen Keating
Colleen Keating is among the most illustrious and excellent writers and poets, it was an honour for me to review her book. Beautiful, inspirational, true to life, I enjoyed reading every poem.
Mark’s Birthday Appeal
In celebration of his upcoming birthday, Mark Roberts is raising funds for Rochford Street Review instead of choosing Meta’s suggested charities. His goal is to gather $200 by the end of May. Donations of $5 or more will grant access to an exciting eBook Portal. Support this worthy cause!
Rochford Street Review May 2026 Subscriber Newsletter
For paid subscribers this newsletter also provides a sneak preview of two of the new eBooks which will form part of the Rochford Street review eBook portal, which we will be launching over the coming months and which will be free to access to all subscribers on a paid subscription plan