'Gillian Telford's poems deliver what the title of her collection suggests. Always mindful, often subtle in their argument and surprising in their intensity, these poems display a range of moods, attitudes and technical approaches to her subjects. Telford is alert to the nuanced signals between people: she can memorably convey family and other social dynamics, and she's an enviable practitioner of tanka and other forms practised by her admired models.' - Michael Sharkey 'Like the restless circling of the ice skater in "The Rush", these poems have the glide and weave of deep contemplation, the sharp-edge turns of acute perception, and the lifting skirt of a playful sensuality. Throw in an empathetic, artistic eye and the wisdom to seek, in particulars, every truth we need to establish, and you have all the makings of deeply pleasurable poetry.' - Judy Johnson Gillian Telford was born in England, of Irish parents, and emigrated to Australia after completing her secondary education. Recently retired, she has lived and worked in NSW and Tasmania in the fields of health and education as a speech pathologist, ESL teacher and administrator. She started writing poetry in 2001, shortly after moving from Sydney to Pearl Beach on the NSW Central Coast. She enjoys participating in public readings of poetry and collaborations with other artists and has co-edited two of the Central Coast Poets' biennial anthologies. Moments of Perfect Poise is her first collection and includes poems previously published in literary journals and anthologies.