How personal is the political? Diving into a 'sea of red' author Leilani Tamu brings this question to the fore as she uses poetic discourse to dive into the narratives - light and dark - that have shaped her life. In this epic second collection Tamu unflinchingly examines 'twisted streets wrapped in light' sifting through history, narrative, emotion and memory - often coming face to face with violence - its impact, influence and presence - in order to confront the interface between the personal and political dimensions of self. With a ferocity that is defined by its fragility, the voice in Cultural Diplomacy provides us with a rare opportunity to traverse the socio-political landscape of the mind of a courageous woman-mother-warrior-writer. This book is a testament to the power of hope.