Intensely observant, gravely acute, these poems are a true achievement. In Simon West we have a poet who knows how to weight a line, how to savour a phrase. But he also proffers the nimble wit of the title poem, and of Faute de mieux . West is a laureate of darkness and a lyrical quester after light. - Chris Wallace-Crabbe I loved these poems by Simon West for their awake and responsive lines. He has an elegant sensual feel for the language and an equally elegant imagination. He has a number of fine gifts: graceful cadences that reach right into the heart of his subjects, and a charming ability with form that tells you each poem has been composed with utmost care. His work is surprising, precise and dexterous. - Judith Beveridge Shortlisted for the 2007 Kenneth Slessor Poetry Prize Winner of the William Baylebridge Prize