Ghost Poetry by Robbie Coburn
“The sound of their hooves is endless
and their bodies made of blood
when you wake
one morning
and trace my spine and ribcage
in search of an opening.
your fingers gallop across the length of my skin”
~ Wreck
In a recent writing workshop, we discussed how different writers approach creating experiences: some place them distinctly in the cerebral, building connection through thoughts and emotions while others place them in the body, using the visceral and physical. After reading this collection, I would definitely place Robbie Coburn in the latter category – not just through the writing of his own body but also through bodies that make up a vital component within this collection: horses.
Ghost Poetry (2024) taps into Coburn’s experience growing up on a farm in semi-rural Victoria. His father was a harness racing trainer, and the close-up image of a horse on the cover of this collection hints at the journey we’re about to embark on.
Divided into three parts, ‘Blood Ritual’, ‘Wreck’, and ‘Straw Horses’, Coburn unapologetically delves into strong themes of sorrow and redemption, using the highs and lows of country life as a haunting and captivating backdrop. This is strongest in the second part of the collection, in poems such as ‘Pastures’ and ‘Geography of a Horse’:
“One morning, you notice the heaving curves of their flanks
as they halt suddenly, exhausted
before the oversized ribcage is revealed
and you count the protruding bones
with your tiny hand.”
Coburn's voice is versatile in its ability to shift forms. From formative childhood recollections discovering the concept of mortality to intimate confrontations with personal demons, his poetry navigates his experiences with raw honesty and intensity. This is most felt in the first part of the collection. I have to admit that, at times, this intensity was a little overbearing. The startling titles of some of the poems provide clues as to why I felt this way: ‘Cutter’, ‘Dream of Suicide’, ‘Bloodletting’ and ‘Dream of Abortion’.
This is not to say that Coburn doesn’t handle these topics with a level of sensitivity. Going back to the idea of writing from the physical, it’s fair to say Coburn's commitment to exploring these darker themes is central to the strength of this collection. His verses probe the depths of despair and longing, leaving a deep mark. His craftsmanship is evident in his manipulation of language and imagery, inviting readers to immerse themselves fully in his poetic world:
“my body trembles each time
I reach for you
a horse picking at a fence
attempting to break through
and failing.”
~ Dream of Longing
Horses, perhaps more than other typical farm animals, are the perfect creatures to counterbalance his own emotional experiences. His portrayal of them as symbols of strength and vulnerability serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges many face in simply navigating the ups and downs of life. There are also little beams of hope and resilience filtered throughout, especially in the third part of the collection:
“I told you the rain, like love,
was reaching us both at this distance.
that it was the same rain.
that it meant our bodies could wake
and start again.”
~ Dream of Rain
In Ghost Poetry, Coburn navigates the intricate dance between the light and shadow of selfhood. Through his exploration of pain and longing, he invites readers to confront their inner demons, emerging on the other side with clarity.
Though I would hesitate to say I ‘enjoyed’ reading this collection, it’s a powerful addition to Australian literature and a deeply brave approach to handling the complex themes at its heart.
*While the collection will no doubt be cathartic for some readers, it is important to be aware it deals with a number of sensitive topics, including: Self-harm, suicide, suicide ideation, death of animals, miscarriage, still-births, and the use of potential triggering words such as ‘rape’.
Elaine Chennatt is a writer, educator and psychology student currently residing in nipaluna. She has a special interest in bibliotherapy (how we use literature to make sense of our lives) and is endlessly curious about the creative philosophies of others. She lives with her husband and two bossy dachshunds on the not-so-sunny side of the river (IYKYK). Find her online at wordswithelaine.com.
