My first time hearing a poet recite their poetry in my office!
Of Life, Of Love and Passing is Barry’s collection of over 60 of his original poems.
He cites British poet Adrian Mitchell (“Most people ignore poetry because most poetry ignores most people.”) and hopes his own poems on a wide range of topics are “relevant to you, your own experience and to the inevitable life challenges we all face in living, loving and passing on.”
A good read available at www.barrycollier.com.au.

Hon Mark Speakman SC MP
NSW State MP for Cronulla,
Sydney.  Australia.
5 December 2025

Thank you Barry Collier. Poems of Life, Of Love, and Passing is an excellent anthology suitable for the English classroom, Years 7-11. I’d recommend to all my English teaching colleagues.

Associate Professor Dr Don Carter
Head of Teacher Education
English Education Specialist
Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
University of Technology Sydney
Australia
10 December 2025

Poems Of Life, Of Love and Passing will appeal to a wide range of readers, including those who may not normally read poetry. The experiences included in Barry Collier’s collection are familiar and his style is engaging, with words used powerfully to bring his poems alive.

Relationships are explored with compassion and understanding as are everyday challenges, tragedies, loss and grief. Here is poetry which is relevant to the general reader, with observations and reflections on universal experiences, thoughts and emotions.

Collier’s thought-provoking collection may well inspire a new generation of Australian poets.

Liz Adams
Author, Biographer and Professional Historian
July 2025
Read Liz Adams’ full review

I don’t always read poetry at 6 o’ clock in the morning, but when I do, I read a selection of fine verse, penned by former local MP, Barry Collier.

I don’t always write literature reviews either, but I’ll have a crack: Everyday topics, written in ordinary language, by an extraordinary bloke. Check it out on Barry’s website.

Disclaimer: this is not a cash-for-comment thing.

Simon Earle
Miranda NSW

Hi Barry

I have a copy of your book. I must admit I am not one for poetry. It was my worst subject in high school.

But I have read much of what you have written. It is a brilliant way of stating our realities in such a poetically creative manner. I will also say that you write very well. Even a poetic pleb like me took every opportunity between work to read a few of your poems. Congratulations Barry. It’s a great read for everyone!

Nick Katris
Registered Architect

Barry:

Writing this poem
kept me awake all night,
I’m blaming your book,
for getting me hooked!

Dixie 
Sydney, NSW

Your poem Retirement describes my life so well. Always busy. Can be exhausting, but it’s great!

Jayne
Sutherland, NSW