411Polynation is an exquisite book of poetry that will stretch the mind and the heart,with political crispness, gentle romantic musings, and, above all, deepconnection to his family and his home.About the poetFa'afetai Ta‘ase was born on 8 July 1965, the son of Vaotupu and Levine Ta'ase.The family lived in Cannons Creek and was well known in Porirua, contributing tothe community as teachers, church leaders and artists.Fa‘afetai had cerebral palsy and spent his early years in and out of hospital.Porirua was his home, and he was educated there and in Wellington. Fa‘afetaistarted out as a performance poet in the 1980s. His work explores themes ofidentity, family, love, faith and politics with a New Zealand-born Pacific lens. Hewrites with a sharp eye and a warm heart.Illustrator Sam Sakaria drew inspiration from Fa'afetai’s poems to create theimagery in the book. As well as through his artwork, Sam is woven into this bookas one of Alofa’s former students and a member of their family’s church.