AustLit

Henry discusses Tranter's poetic form, the 'terminal' where the line endings of previously published poems are used to construct new poems. Tranter has used the poetry of John Keats, Banjo Paterson, Matthew Arnold and W. H. Auden in writing his terminals.

Henry concludes that 'Tranter's terminals are unique because they combine the conservative, influence-embracing aspect of traditional forms with the innovative aims of new forms ... Although it is too soon to know if the terminal will become an influential form, Tranter has laid a robust foundation for other poets seeking the challenges and pleasures of form, the pull of tradition, and the openness of experimentation.'