Simon Hansford (Moderator of the Uniting Church, NSW) - October 2022
"The best of those who write and speak and sing and act and preach capture us, even for a moment. This is Peter’s gift to us because we can see our reflection, even for a moment, in one or more of the poems he has crafted for us. Peter knows about mercy and you will find generous threads of it in his work; he does not preach with finger pointed at anyone, except perhaps himself. Mercy begets hope; hope is the stuff of life for those of us who need to write those words. I am thankful for his gift to us."
Andrew Davis (CEO of a major Australia research company) - October 2022
"Poems At A Social Distance is a worthy and challenging companion to Peter's previous volumes of poetry. You can open it at any point and be made smile or move uneasily in your seat. From "I remember being there" to "do I really want to go there?" The layout and presentation are almost as intriguing as the verse."
Colin Sheringham (Prof of Philosophy, retired, University of Western Sydney) - March 2022
"Peter’s wonderful book of poems provides me a much needed moment to pause and reflect. The last couple of years have disappeared in a blur, things have changed and I feel more alone, more isolated. Life seems to be lived at a distance. The flaneur in me has retreated. I deeply miss the engagement with others and the immersion in the richness of the mundane. But Peter’s poetry, his well crafted words, provide a much needed antidote. Skilfully painted word pictures reengage the reader with that richness. The pleasure of a coffee out, the other worldliness of shopping, work, the struggles of the everyday and then there are those big complex issues that tear at our being. Buy the book, read it sitting in a coffee shop. Take time to enjoy his words. Once again embrace the flaneur. Rejoin the crowd. Peter’s poems will engage you with others, they provide a wonderful catalyst for reflection and importantly an elixir for reducing that social distance."
Ellie Browne of Armidale - March 2022
“I was so engrossed in the poetry book that I burnt the nectarines I was stewing".
Ann from Canberra - April 2022
"If you want a fun, quirky and thoughtful read then I recommend the book 'Poems At A Social Distance'. It's easy to read and each time I re-read a poem I find them even more enjoyable. I especially love the kids section. They are a lot of fun."
Julie Ann (Education Specialist, Department of Education, Tamworth) - April 2022
(Poems At A Social Distance) "Some people are incredibly creative, clever and generously share parts of themselves that leave us grateful and better off… thanks Pete for letting me look through your life’s Kaleidoscope."
Simon Joyce (Head of Co-Curricular Activities, Independent Schools Foundation Academy, Hong Kong) - March 2022
(Poems At A Social Distance) Honestly very profound with a wide range of emotions I did not expect. From a quiet chuckle to a roar of laughter from quiet reflection to a tear in my eye. So thank you for what you have penned and I cannot wait for your next edition.
(Poems At A Social Distance) Honestly very profound with a wide range of emotions I did not expect. From a quiet chuckle to a roar of laughter from quiet reflection to a tear in my eye. So thank you for what you have penned and I cannot wait for your next edition.
Peter Ross (Writer, Director, Producer, Manager Entertainment Venues Tamworth) - March 2022
(Poems At A Social Distance) I picked it up last night for a quick glance and couldn’t put it down. I laughed, I cried, I reflected on life and counted my blessings. Well worth having!
Nia McMartin (Singer/Songwriter) - March 2022
I have all your books and open them often. I love words. Yours are particularly worthwhile fodder for thought and contemplation. Thankyou x
Bronwen Rossiter (Facebook) - October 2021
(Responding to Poppy's Paddock) Heart-wrenchingly sad yet beautiful 😥💔💕 Lest We Forget
Lois Ralph (Facebook) - September 2021
(Responding to Poppy's Paddock) W O W, that is beautiful, I can’t find another word to describe it!
Raph Martin (Facebook) - September 2021
(Responding to The Hardness Myth) This poet speaks to the human heart as his message comes from a very personal experience. (from Poems At A Social Distance)
Karla S Torpy (Facebook) - June 2021
So hauntingly beautiful. The world needs great literature. Real and raw like your words. I'm so touched reading this.
Claire Johnston (Facebook) - January 2021
Thank you for posting. I really enjoyed the piece. Well worth putting down the Tim Winton book I was reading - when the phone demanded my attention with its pinging.
William North (Editor, Daily Examiner, Grafton) - March 2017
Challenging an issue so prevalent in our society, Geoffrey is a must-see. The end result is one of the most thought-provoking, confronting and relevant Australian plays of current times.
Edwina Sharrock - March 2017
You don't know me. My name is Edwina and my husband and I went I Geoffrey last Friday night. I wanted to to say well done on an incredibly well written play. The content was powerful and thought provoking and you managed to convey so much emotion and was still very entertaining. Thank you for sharing. I work in health and have told everyone how fantastic it is. I hope you are very proud.
Last night's opening I went to see the play "Geoffrey" last night. It was a fantastic production. Written and produced by local people, it never the less was every bit as good as the top professional plays. The writing is superb, the subject thought provoking, the acting very good and well directed, all presented on a striking set. This is a play which should be performed nationally.
Barry Everingham (Educator) - March 2017
Last night's opening performance of Geoffrey by Pete Langston was absolutely stunning. Excellent work by all concerned in putting on this confronting and astounding story. The performances and direction made it enthralling, emotional in a range of ways with humour and music interspersing the tale of darkness. A complex story that could easily grace another stage but so well done by this talented local group.
Gero Cutmore (Director & Actor) - March 2017
Well done TDS! Geoffrey is an amazing production. Thank you Peter Langston for your words, without them the story has no base to build on and the actors gave us something raw and real. Peter you opened people's eyes to the reality of how mental illness ripples through families, not just the sufferer, but all those around him, the devastation it can cause to those living with and loving someone fighting unseen demons. I feel privileged and proud to have witnessed the world premiere of such an important piece of drama. Again, well done!
Lance Gibbens (Manager, Squeaky Gate Retreat) - March 2017
I very much enjoyed the experience of the play (Geoffrey). This is a play about a significant contemporary issue in the Western world and it does a fine job at revealing just that. The set design is truly inspirational, absolutely awesome. This is a message that needs to get out there.
Debbie Smith (Park Manager) - April 2015
We enjoyed Peter Langston's poetry reading session immensely. We found Peter to be very professional and had a great rapport with our park team and our guests. The poetry reading session requires very little organisation by the park as Peter comes equipped with everything he needs, you just need to provide a venue, and help to promote the event. I have no hesitation in recommending Peter to other venues/ businesses.
North Coast Holiday Parks - Lake Ainsworth
Eric Bogle (Singer Songwriter) - January 2015
I love Stone Cottages ... it a poem about Ireland and the famine ... you'd think this man had been born under the Blarney Stone because it captured what it must have been like which is an amazing feat ... the thing I admire most about the book was how much he exposed himself.
I love Stone Cottages ... it a poem about Ireland and the famine ... you'd think this man had been born under the Blarney Stone because it captured what it must have been like which is an amazing feat ... the thing I admire most about the book was how much he exposed himself.
Nia Robertson (Singer Songwriter) - January 2015
Peter has such an insightful relationship with words, from his poetry to his Facebook posts - every word may be carefully selected but his message remains heartfelt and warm. His new collection "Straightening My Tie" is another straight and true arrow in his quiver!
Sally-Anne Whitten (Singer Songwriter) - January 2015
Peter is a wordsmith of note. He writes with passion and detail- a keen life observer who has an exceptional gift for translating his observations into prose or poetry. Smart, funny, clever, thoughtful, and authentic, Peter is one of Australia's very best.
Peter is a wordsmith of note. He writes with passion and detail- a keen life observer who has an exceptional gift for translating his observations into prose or poetry. Smart, funny, clever, thoughtful, and authentic, Peter is one of Australia's very best.
Anna Moulder (ABC Breakfast Presenter) January 2015
Peter, you are a beautiful poet. Honest, frank, funny... and damn it, you make us cry too! You’re emotive. I feel like you have taken words from your soul, gifting us with these beautiful moments on the page. I believe it takes a man of a certain quality to be as sensitive as he is, yet “manly” enough for other blokes to relate to.
Peter, you are a beautiful poet. Honest, frank, funny... and damn it, you make us cry too! You’re emotive. I feel like you have taken words from your soul, gifting us with these beautiful moments on the page. I believe it takes a man of a certain quality to be as sensitive as he is, yet “manly” enough for other blokes to relate to.
Kelly Fuller (ABC Morning Show Presenter) January 2015
He’s one of the word smiths of our region. From soulful interpretations of the landscape to sometimes painful personal insights.
He’s one of the word smiths of our region. From soulful interpretations of the landscape to sometimes painful personal insights.
May 2012
It was the first time I've had live poetry on air and it left me unable to speak. The eyes welled, the breathing was gulped and I had no words to express how beautiful, intimate and devastating Peter's words were.
Cassandra Rowe (Black Dog Institute Facebook page) November 2014
Wow. An amazing man & an inspiring story.
Wow. An amazing man & an inspiring story.
Laurie Murphy (Education Specialist) October 2014
I have enjoyed reading your books. They make me think and reflect on lots of things. I think I will re-read them lots of times and still get lots out of them each time. Congratulations on your literary achievements!
I have enjoyed reading your books. They make me think and reflect on lots of things. I think I will re-read them lots of times and still get lots out of them each time. Congratulations on your literary achievements!
Michelle Lopez (Account Manager, Floral Sense) August 2014
Thank you for bravely writing your story. I hope that your honesty can offer comfort to those who have been hurt and affected by someone close to them committing suicide. I also hope that your words can to help build a bridge of help and hope those who may be contemplating suicide and not knowing how to handle their despair.
Thank you for bravely writing your story. I hope that your honesty can offer comfort to those who have been hurt and affected by someone close to them committing suicide. I also hope that your words can to help build a bridge of help and hope those who may be contemplating suicide and not knowing how to handle their despair.
Karen Gallagher-Burt (Team Leader, United Way of Calgary)
As someone who worked in suicide prevention for many years, your article is a spot on representation of the understanding I have of the research I have read. More importantly, your words reflect so many of the people I have served. Thank you for sharing your experience and pain. I wish you the peace of loving support and the courage to keep stepping forward, one day at a time.
Deb McVee (IT Support, Agricultural Finances Support Corp) August 2014
Thanks you for sharing your story and for giving mental illness a voice in the dark that encompasses those afflicted by it. I hope that your message reaches someone who is in the darkness so that they know they are not alone and that there is help. Good luck in your journey.
Jacqui Chaplin (Radio Broadcaster) August 2014
Superb. Will share on my radio show page. I too am sad with tears trickling down my face as I type Peter. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
Gary Leavitt (Minneapolis, Merchant Navy, USA)
Just read your piece on Linkedin....as good as it gets. 6 years ago I lost my best friend; my mom to suicide..I still can't mumble the word and cringe when it comes up, however have accepted her decision. As much as I loved her; it was her decision and who am I to say she made the wrong choice.
Love the piece, it made me smile...which is still hard to do...
Have been enjoying your book today Peter a great read some real gems in there my favourite so far Moonrise at Emu Park:-)
Linda Floyd (gallery owner) June 2013
Peter recently conducted a poetry and music gig at the Edelweiss Gallery. Peter really engaged his audience and was very professional. It was a delight to have worked with Peter and hope to do so again in the future.
Peter Quirk (Youth Service Director, Nepean Rotary)
Great presentation. Very well received mate. Was exactly the type of presentation I was seeking.
Great presentation. Very well received mate. Was exactly the type of presentation I was seeking.
Joan Njeru (Network Referral Group) - February 2013
You have a new fan!!! I loved your use of words to paint a picture and every bit of poetry I have had a chance to read from your website today has just made my heart swell.
Jacqueline Frazer (music teacher, Tamworth Conservatorium) May 2012
Thanks again for your thoughtful reading this morning Peter. I just sat down and read your book in one sitting. Though that's hardly an apt description, as your poetry whisked me around to many places and afforded me the opportunity to meet many characters!
Rose Gibbens (Principal, Network Referral Group) May 2012
What a 'breath of fresh air' in the poetry world Peter Langston is!!!! I have read his first book six times now cover to cover and I have just ordered his second book today. I can't wait for it to arrive and sit back with a cuppa in my have armchair and be entertained and moved to tears all over again.
Emma C (Art Gallery of NSW January 2012
I was up at Armidale yesterday and saw your poem responding to Brett Whiteley's Self portrait. It was very insightful.
Jenny Biddle (Singer Songwriter) May 2012
Hey Peter. Been gettin' into your poetry book. Really dig your love stuff :) Very beautiful. Poetry of depression carves so deep. You put it so well. I savour the moments of reflection in your poetry. Thankyou.
Barry Richardson (Professor of English, UNE) March 2010
I thought you radio interview impressive but you Newcastle presentation awesomely masterly.
Graham Patterson (Multicultural Educator) December 2009
Just had to say how much I have enjoyed your poems. They're personal, insightful, different, often witty but above all they ring true and took me right into the situations, many of which I was familiar with. Congratulations.
Julie Kirk (Network Specialist Facilitator, NSW Dept of Education) December 2009
Sad poems should make you cry. Happy poems should make you laugh. Poems of love should move you. Peter's gift to me was that he made me achieve all three. Thank you for taking the time to share your inner thoughts and passions.
Stoph Verismo (Poet and Radio Presenter) September 2009
I'm so pleased with the result for you; having read it now, i can see why it is taking off; it is a terrific work. You have a fantastic turn of phrase and capture moments in minutiae beautifully... as well as the bigger picture. Lines I particularly (but not limited to) enjoyed are:
"a cowards suicide..."
"I wonder if ten seconds was worth doing." in fact everything about "Wondering at Woolworths" was wonderful.
His favourite chair chocked me.
"...we are never better dressed"
...and the dedication to God. Even as an atheist (reformed catholic) I liked the words you chose and the way you phrased them - great stuff. To me this book is instant 'Australiana' and having a signed first edition of a future classic would be an honour. Congrats on a fine book.
