Blind Painting

Julie Rekai Rickerd is a Toronto broadcaster and public relations
consultant.

Montreal-born poet Robert Melançon’s book of poems, Blind Painting, won the Governor General’s Award in its original French edition in 1979.

Melançon uses words to paint his ideas on poetic canvases. The influence of his doctoral study of French baroque poetry is strongly evident in his own works. His concerns are with the metaphysical and the shapes and forms of images, and the result is a series of moving, colorful, “visual” poems.

Romanticism pervades Melançon’s poetry. It is reminiscent of Wordsworth’s communion with nature and the beloved. His themes deal with the physical and spiritual universe, mortal love, and the immortal seasons.

Melançon’s works are presented in both French and the English translation. Philip Stratford’s sensitive translation captures the poet’s every nuance and intention. Stratford worked closely with Melançon who, himself, re-worked the original poems in preparation for the translation to English. Melançon’s rhythm and cadence are gentle and touching. His imagery is rich and provocative. His works evoke feelings of nostalgia, romance, and well-being. He paints a “concrete world,” albeit a peaceful one. His poems never shout, they always whisper. Blind Painting conjures up a verbal rainbow of delight.