Are poems ‘inspired’ or mainly the work of craft?

I’m inclined to say poems are triggered, or ‘arrive’, rather than they’re the fruit of inspiration. The poem does have to be written, which is in itself craft. The best poems may need a little tinkering, but on the whole I’d rather not labour away at a sow’s ear. (Though I should say I value a real sow’s ear above a silk purse.)

What is the difference between poetry and prose?

This difference has changed and is still changing. The main considerations are framing and participation. Lines (in advertising, for example) are not necessarily participating in poetry as an art form; nor are sentences in a newspaper or novel. We might know something’s poetry; but then our knowledge may be challenged.

What circumstances are ideal for writing poetry?

Time without financial pressure. A variety of language resources (talk or books) and visual stimulation, whether art or birds.

Which poet would you most like to talk to – and why?

Auden; I’d like to see if we’d click.

What do poets need most: solitude or a coterie?

A bit of both, for myself. Poets tend to be social.

What have you learned from reviews of your work?

That there can be value in what appears like misreading, suggesting that poems have a greater range than I’d thought. It’s always interesting to read someone who is seriously engaged, whether praising or blaming. I’m aware of being privileged in Australia, where it’s possible to receive a number of reviews for one book: this is much less likely in the United Kingdom or United States.

If Plato allowed you to keep one poem in his Republic, what would it be?

‘The Crane is My Neighbour’ by John Shaw Neilson.

Do you have a favourite line of poetry (or couplet)?

‘I heard a Fly buzz when I died’ (Emily Dickinson).

Is poetry generally appreciated by the reading public?

It depends on the circumstances. It’s hard to come across poetry in Australia unless you’re involved in poetry scenes in some way. So in that sense it can’t be. Yet I can imagine a poetry version of ACMI would be popular.

Michael Farrell has edited a feature on the theme of Melbourne for Cordite and co-wrote the lyrics for ‘Waste the Alphabet’ by Dick Diver. He won the 2012 Peter Porter Poetry Prize with ‘Beautiful Mother’, included in Cocky’s Joy, which has just been published by Giramondo.