For readers and poets who question the extent to which the writing of poetry can be “taught”, Fijian-born Shastra Deo provides an exuberant answer. Along with Bronwyn Lea, Sarah Holland-Batt and Felicity Plunkett, Deo is a member of a group of poets identified with Brisbane whose language is full of linguistic and metaphoric energy as well as a sophistication of syntax and diction. The opening poem in Deo’s first book, The Agonist, made clear what sort of poet she hoped to become. It’s short enough to quote the last half in full: The blood in my mouth like young wine,…