If there is a singular theme that informs and underlies the diverse poems in this book, it is "compassion." An expansive emotive range is traversed here, from heart-rending tragedy and despair to the sunny light of humour and optimism, and through it all there flows a deep river of compassion for humanity, the world, nature and its wondrous creatures. There is an abiding empathy in these poems and an insightful understanding of the connectedness of all things. If we but open our eyes and hearts sufficiently, we too will share the poet's vision of the world, "as if a million stars were brought...

Encompassing a wealth of poetry and prose, 'A Seasoning of Lust' will transport the reader on a magic carpet ride of delight from ancient Japan to 18th century Paris, from Venice to small-town America. The theme of sensual lust is sensitively explored in tales of devotion, attraction, contemplation, revenge, loss, betrayal, bondage and devilry. In these poems and short stories, eroticism is enjoyed not as the main course, but rather, as an exotic, potent and exhilarating spice. First published in 2008, this newly revised edition of 'A Seasoning of Lust' includes photographs by Nick...