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Story: Poetry

Robin Hyde's poem on a menu

Robin Hyde met printer and publisher Ron Holloway in Auckland in 1934. Soon after they shared a table at The Spotted Dog restaurant. While they were sitting there, Robin Hyde recited a poem she had just composed. Holloway was impressed and suggested she write it out. So she took the menu and proceeded to write 'Written in cold', which was later revised and published in Persephone in winter (1937).

Using this item

The University of Auckland Libraries and Learning Services, Special Collections

Reference: Auckland University College Library typographical collection. ca. 1930-. MSS & Archives A-58

Permission of the Library, University of Auckland, must be obtained before any re-use of this image.

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How to cite this page

John Newton, Poetry – The Caxton poets, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/en/zoomify/43078/robin-hydes-poem-on-a-menu (accessed 4 June 2026).

Story by John Newton, published 17 October 2013.