Selected Poems

David A. Kent, editor of Christian Poetry in Canada, teaches English at
Centennial College in Scarborough.

Between 1960 and 1990, Avison published only four volumes of poetry; two
of these, however, won a Governor-General’s Literary Award for Poetry
(Winter Sun in 1960 and No Time in 1990), and she has always been highly
respected by writers in Canada and elsewhere. For those unfamiliar with
her poetry, this collection (which she personally selected for
publication) is an excellent starting place.

Avison is often a difficult and enigmatic poet, and it is really
impossible in a brief review to encompass the rich discoveries available
in this collection. Readers will have to see for themselves—as Avison
herself would wish. (But what a drab cover design for such a shining
achievement.)