The Same As Yes

The startling poems in this debut collection are both pretty and strange, clear and mysterious. All of the poems are conversations, of sorts: a dancer talks to the floorboards; a dressing gown talks to itself; an old man talks to the radio in his sleep; men and women talk, and talk without talking.

Joan Fleming’s empathetic imagination gives voice to the hidden conversations happening beneath our notice. This is a book about communication, connection, and the wisdom and beauty of ordinary things.

 ‘Joan Fleming's odd, singular vision is a wonderfully new and valuable addition to contemporary New Zealand poetry.’ —Tim Upperton, A Fine Line.

‘The weight of the world is fabulous through the words of Fleming. These pared down poems from a new talent are eloquent. The Same As Yes is mission accomplished.’ —Hamesh Wyatt, Otago Daily Times

Joan Fleming won the Biggs Poetry Prize in 2007, and her work has appeared in Landfall, the Listener, Sport, and The Best of Best New Zealand Poems. Her second book is Failed Love Poems (2015).