Jane Yeh and Togara Muzanenhamo have been shortlisted for the 2006 Jerwood Aldeburgh First Collection Prize for their Carcanet collections Marabou and Spirit Brides respectively. The other shortlisted poets are Alan Crosbie for Outswimming the Eruption, Jasmine Donahaye for Misappropriations and Roger Moulson for Waiting for the Night Rowers. Sponsored by the Jerwood Charity, the prestigious £3000 prize includes a week's protected writing time and a paid invitation to read at the 2007 Aldeburgh International Poetry Festival.
 
'This year's shortlist offers an extraordinary cultural diversity - five poets with backgrounds and experiences from all over the world: North and South America, France, The Netherlands, Scotland, Wales and Zimbabwe,' commented Poetry Trust Director Naomi Jaffa. The winner will be announced at the 18th Aldeburgh International Poetry Festival on Friday 3rd November.

'Aubade' by Togara Muzanenhamo

Unsaid, so it goes again, today
When I shall lay my head down
And not think of you or dream
Of you for ever till morning.

The hours pass unpromised,
Darkness will never listen or say
There, there or offer a last touch -
But stand back and wait, tainting

Every morning.

from Spirit Brides by Togara Muzanenhamo, published in July by Carcanet