Arriving at Night

Brian Burch is a teacher, writer and poet and author of Still Under the
Thumb.

Long passages of subtle images and occasional outbursts of clear visions come together in Arriving at Night, Christopher Levenson’s 6th collection of poetry. While marred by too-academic an approach to poetry, Levenson’s latest work shows that he is a master of his craft and is devoted to his art.

Arriving at Night isnot an optimistic book. Time and again the reader is struck with an almost morbid exploration of the pains and evils of our world. From eulogies for Stan Rodgers and Pat Lowther to love poems that include hints of the real fragility and hopelessness of love, it is hard to avoid a feeling that optimism and beauty are unwelcome additions to Levenson’s pessimistic world.

Levenson’s book is divided into three thematic sections — “Departures,” “Duplicities,” and “Arriving at Night” — that together show a person examining his own life and the lies and perils of our world. Even moments of happiness or joy cannot be trusted.

The best poems in this collection are those that are the most personal, where we are introduced to a sensitivity that is not always apparent in Levenson’s work. His prelude poem, “The Sea-Spring,” and “Three for Oonagh” are very gentle poems that contrast with the brittleness of “War Bride” or “Blueprints.”

Levenson’s mastery of his craft is apparent throughout this book. Jack pine sonnets and more traditional narrative poems are the predominant styles. At times Arriving At Night seems too remote for the audience to grasp, and at times it seems like a familiar neighbour. It is definitely a collection for those interested in the finest poetry coming out of the English departments of Canadian universities.