Five-O'clock Shadows

Edward L. Edmonds is a professor of education at the University of
Prince Edward Island and Honorary Chief of the Mi'kmaq of Prince Edward
Island.

A terse “in lieu of a preface” states that the authors represented
in this anthology are “five middle-aged Canadian made poets.” Their
respective selections are preceded by thumbnail biographical sketches.
These poets are all masters of their craft, if not quite household
names. They draw on a lifetime of experience, sometimes earthy,
sometimes erudite, but always characterized by close observation and
shrewd comment.

All five write in a supple, conversational style. Some original
metaphors will give delight (a Monarch butterfly’s “jittery wing,”
a “Pharoanic sun,” or “the telephone’s black skull rings through
its teeth”). Although the prevailing note is one of sadness, no one
can imagine this talented quintet ever growing “half-mossed with
age.”