Selected Poems of Elizabeth Brewster, 1977-1984

Mary Jane Starr was with the National Library of Canada in Ottawa.

This is the second volume of the Selected Poems of Elizabeth Brewster;covering the period 1977-1984. The volume is further divided chronologically into Poems, 1977-1982 and New Poems, 1982-1984. Some of these poems were published in Sometimes I Think of Moving (Oberon,1977), The Way Home (Oberon, 1982), Digging In (Oberon, 1982), and various literary magazines. The companion first volume drew from the period 1944-1977 and included a brief introduction by Tom Marshall.

Brewster’s major themes are death, boredom, loneliness, and failing eyesight. The approach is experimental, with the natural and physical world acting as the reference point. The poetry displays a mature understanding of the themes, and Brewster gives every assurance of having come to terms with these painful aspects of life. A hint of despair creeps into “Message from a mad poet,” but for the most part the poems are reassuring and comfortable. However, there are a few surprises: the juxtaposition of a relative’s death and an autumnal garden in “In October”; the use of blunt and crude language in “Scrimshaws”; and the somewhat unflattering description of Elizabeth Smart (“First Meeting”).

Elizabeth Brewster is an established and experienced poet. These poems from 1977-1984 were written by a poet who has mastered the art of describing her life in a clean, straightforward manner that combines understanding, honesty, strength and an unextinguished spirit. An index or table of contents would be a useful addition to this selection.