A
new
month
And the start
of summer
But the same old bones
Reluctant
into the aching
sea blue
dawn
Riemke Ensing
1939 – 2026
To celebrate Riemke’s life and work
An oak tree will be planted in spring amongst the natives in Muriwai.
If you would like to attend please send an email
or call James
021 515 515
We would love to receive any stories of your experiences with Riemke
Mac Jackson says: I was sad to learn of Riemke’s death. She was a valued AU English Department colleague of mine for many years, and one of whom I was very fond. I loved her forthrightness and liveliness, and have always admired her poetry. In fact my appreciation of Riemke goes back to my earliest years in the Department, when she was in a tutorial class I was taking, and expressed a different view from mine about the merits of a poem by D. H. Lawrence. Her intelligence and independence of spirit were obvious to me even then.
The English Department would have been a lesser place without her. And her contribution to New Zealand poetry will endure.
With sympathy,
Mac Jackson
ellen ayers says: I remember the Ensing girls when they arrived in Turiwiri in the 1950, a long time ago and we never lost touch, enjoyed the occasional lunch, and lots of reminiscence, rest in peace dear Riemann.
With sympathy
Ellen Ayres
Dearest Riemke, somehow yesterday in my bones I knew you’d moved on ‘into the aching blue dawn’ and this morning via a message from Jack Ross I see it’s true. Like Cath I’m glad to know you’re now beyond pain, but like Mac so sad to know you’re not here any longer in the same lively presence you always had – forthright, clever, insightful, poetic, waking us all up, to keep up with you. You and I first met when you directed a Beckett play in 1968, Come & Go, my first time on stage. Since then we’ve had a wonderful friendship including our Kemsing Poetry Reading Tour of the North Island, touring and performing together, that will live on in my memory. My deepest condolences go to you, James, Mindy and Hendrik. My laptop screen shows a photo once taken near the gannet colony at Muriwai looking out to sea. I shall imagine Riemke joining my beloved husband Dieter flying high out there, remembering them. Arohanui, your old friend Jan
ps also my deepest condolences to Astrid, your devoted & beloved sister, Jan
Kate Bartlett says: I am so sad to hear of dear Riemke’s passing.
You are a very special person Riemke. Kind, honest, big hearted, a beautiful writer. You were a very dear friend to my mum and dad. Always at important events sharing your words and poems with your beautiful resonant voice.
So special when you invited me and my children to a tea party with cakes and party hats! What love you had for Hendrik and your family.
All my love to you dear James, Mindy, Hendrik, Astrid and whanau.
xxxxKate
Robin Kearns says: Sad news of Riemke. She came into my orbit as. Stage 1 NZ Literature tutor in 1979. She did far more than teach. She hosted dinner parties for those of us students wanting to deepen discussion of NZ poetry, came to readings Greg O’Brien and I organised at Newman Hall, gave me generous feedback on my writing, and took interest in my point of view as a geographer ..coming along to my inaugural professorial lecture. And yet I had never been an English major…..True to the Latin roots of the word education she drew out of us an enduring love of language and literature of this land. As I now re-read her poems and a letter she wrote to me while a PhD student in Canada, it’s so apparent: Riemke brought a deep humanity to the experience of being an undergraduate student. And graduated into being a friend.
dearest Riemke, it was beautiful to share these days of goodbye with you through your poetry in Blue is a Cracked Vase in Memory. Such memorable pieces and a profound legacy of past lives and presentiments. Particularly, though not only, This is not Goodbye….the sky seems to be waiting – that still point to inner freedom -touching the blue you embraced from the beginning. Later, stars will continue to tell your stories. Such a gift to have known you.
Gael Dwan says: We were saddened to hear of Riemke’s passing, but at the same time, happy that her pain and suffering had come to an end. A dear neighbour, who was always interested in others, especially the children and their education. We will miss her strength of character and admirable feistiness.
Our thoughts are with James, Mindy, Hendrick and Astrid.
Roger Horrocks says: Our deepest sympathy to family and those close to Riemke.
Xx Roger and Shirley Horrocks
Patrica Alatini says: My love for you was endless . I remember our first few encounters, my hubby became your builder gardener and you became my friend. We’d have numerous conversations and jabber for hours as you’d share your wisdom and Aroha. Your brain and personality marvellous. Your generosity and wairua comforting.
The time you told me if I was 20 years younger I’d have competition on my hands as you reveled in the sight of my buff Tongan hubby glistening in the summer heat topless while pushing the dirt up your darn hillside of a driveway .
We had a friendship that travelled over 25 years . Thank you for loving us we loved you so much we named our daughter Akesa Riemke after you. She is now 12 .
Fittingly when James called we were together . In silence as I drove .
Through the seasons of Bills departure and your amazing sisters adventures on the cruise ships you shared it all. So vivid in your articulation that it transported me often . The many conversations of your mothering with James and the ever present love and pride at his achievements never far from your mind. The birth of your grandson such a joyful event . All these milestones you shared and even though I’ve not officially met James and Mindy I feel like I’ve known them forever.
Anyway our ole duck rest easy rest in love . We are so far away this distance stings and my eyes full with tears .
So privileged and honoured to have called you our friend somehow that doesn’t cover the lengths or depth of love we felt for you .
Arohanui
Sam and Trish whanau Alatini
Haere Ra dearest Riemke. So relieved you could finally be free from pain and that we had such vibrant talks together up here before you departed. Your beautiful, stunning poetry and presence lives on and we will all keep your memory alive forever. Arohanui from Cath Koa Dunsord.