My Life Among Westerners: Poetry - Agnes Walder

AGNES WALDER was 14 years old when 'one very cold and frightening November night, during the Hungarian uprising of 1956, she walked with her family across the border into Austria. They arrived in Sydney in 1957. At the time she did not speak any English, but today considers that language to be the strongest of her three languages which include French.

She completed her secondary education at night-school whilst supporting herself by doing secretarial work. 'Owing to Circumstances' her education was interrupted, but her need to write was so strong that for nine years she attended University classes at night - choosing courses for purposes of personal study rather than to obtain a degree.

Between 1964 and 1968 she lived in Connecticut, USA, where her husband was completing his post-graduate studies. Her two sons were born after their return to Australia.

She believes that the chief motivations of her life are best expressed in her poems entitled 'In the Fullness ofTime' and 'My Life Among Westerners'.

Agnes Walder lives with her family in Sydney, Australia.

Macmillan Publishing 2004, hardcover