Paperback / softback
January 31, 2018
9781772123692
English
80
9.00 Inches (US)
5.25 Inches (US)
0.24 Inches (US)
.3 Pounds (US)
$21.99 USD, £15.50 GBP
v2.1 Reference

Songs for Dead Children

In a series of poems inspired by Gustav Mahler's Kindertotenlieder, E.D. Blodgett searches for meaning amidst grief. In the contemplative gentleness of his words, he finds the special light children possess in their state of unknowing as they encounter the world. These sparse poems move through acceptance and resignation to the solace that exists in the word. Blodgett's poetry will speak to readers who have experienced loss, are exploring grief, or want to find a way to connect with stillness.

as bells that ring through

the winter air

the clear laughter of children

sings in the trees

almost like brooks

bursting in spring

the air stands up

its joy unbound

the breath of it

the bright birth of stars

About the Author

E.D. Blodgett (1935-2018) published numerous books of poetry as well as diverse criticism and literary translations. He was Distinguished University Professor Emeritus of Comparative Literature at the University of Alberta. He won the Governor General's Award twice, for poetry and translation. From 2007 to 2009 he was Edmonton's Poet Laureate.

Endorsements

"These seemingly slight lyrical moments of exquisite attention to grief and loss are so clear, so without even a trace of literary ambition, they hover in the mind like scraps of music we can't forget, like the apparitions of innocent spirits, erased, but re-surfacing with irrepressible exuberance, whenever we open ourselves to the world that has gone on without them."—George Amabile

"Blodgett's profound poetic meditation explores primordial innocence, the brutalities and betrayals of the current world of experience, and the possibility of an integrated, timeless state of innocence. These poems will break your heart, take your breath away, and give it back again in 'verdant hallelujahs.'"—Susan McCaslin

 

9781772123692 : songs-for-dead-children-blodgett
Paperback / softback
80 Pages
$21.99 USD

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