Eclipse

by Kirli Saunders

A profound and visionary collection of poetry and original artwork that explores personal narratives, First Nations wisdom and the many shapes of love, from one of Australia's most prolific young creatives.

Eclipse weaves reflections on Country with affirmation and cheek, fusing Beyoncé with quantum physics.

Through free verse, experimental and concrete poems, Kirli Saunders taps into the rhythm of Ancestral wisdom, offering connection and healing from the wounds of love, grief and our Nation's shared history. These poems celebrate the enduring strength found in kinship and Country itself, and at its heart, Eclipse is a dedication to Kirli's fierce and undying love for her community.

Accompanied by Kirli's minimalist portraits and sketches drawn from the earth, Eclipse dances rhythmically through time and space, reminding us that both joy and sorrow are part of the same path. Kirli's playful and intentional verse brings us back to the Old Ways, while offering a fresh blak queer lens through which to view the present and future.

Through this collection, Kirli invites readers to find themselves among the stars, grounded in the earth, and held in the constant embrace of Country, community and the cosmos.

'Everything Kirli Saunders touches, from poetry to a paintbrush, is gold—Eclipse is exactly that.' Narelda Jacobs (OAM), Whadjuk Noongar journalist

'If you seek to understand love, land, community and the essence of our people, immerse yourself in Kirli's soul-stirring poetry.' Vanessa Turnbull-Roberts, Bundjalung Widubul-Wiabul woman, human rights advocate, lawyer and writer

'Kirli weaves her magic, collapsing time and space with her words ... This book is a gift.' Teela Reid, proud Wiradjuri and Wailwan woman, lawyer, activist and cofounder of Blackfulla Book Club

'A stunning work of poetry ... a powerful call to reconnect with the healing rhythms of Country.' Nick Paton, proud Ngunnawal man, journalist with Koori Mail

'Eclipse is ceremony unfurling around us, the invitation into its sacredness a masterful and generous gift.' Nardi Simpson, award-winning Yuwaalaraay musician and writer

Genres: Poetry

Kindle Edition

Published February 4, 2025

About the author

Kirli Saunders is a proud Gunai Woman and award-winning writer, artist, and consultant. An experienced speaker and facilitator advocating for the environment, gender, racial equality and LGBTIQA+ rights, Kirli was the NSW Aboriginal Woman of the Year (2020). In 2022, She received at OAM for her contribution to the arts and literature, her books include The Incredible Freedom Machines (Scholastic, 2018), Kindred (Magabala, 2019), Bindi (Magabala, 2020), Our Dreaming (Scholastic, 2022) and Returning (Magabala, 2023).

Reviews

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gorgeous collection of poetry: “the stories of loved ones long gone but here now”

[Rach Bazz · Rating 4 out of 5]

GORGE

[Caitlin Robson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kirli’s poetry breaks you open and fixes you. It makes you concentrate and widens your mind, showing you intricacies of First Nations spirit, joy and grief. I met Kirli at the Sydney Writer’s Festival and attending her panel and dived into her work and I can’t wait to swim in her oceans of magic words again.

[Halle · Rating 3 out of 5]

didn't quite click for me like her other works.