Shey Marque's debut full collection is wonderfully responsive to the complexity and sensuality of ocean, bush, animals, art and human relationships. The poems are always wryly intelligent, self-aware and carefully crafted, across an impressive variety of forms. She brings to this rich collection the forensic eye, curiosity and insight of both the scientist and the artist, revealing how much they have in common. Keeper of the Ritual gives us a welcome new voice in Australian poetry. --Philip Neilsen