Demystifying the Poetry and Identity Politics of the Great White North

Windsor poet-cum-panel-moderator Robert Earl Stewart talks to Our Windsor's Michael Michalski  about our upcoming poetry criticism event:

"One of the things that’s always up for discussion...is whether or not Canadian poetry is too Canadian, too in love with its own provincial sensitivities and sense of identity such as the pervasive Man vs. Nature theme featured in a lot of Canadian poetry, whether the poetry be historical or contemporary...The point (the panelists) make about this brand of Canadian nature poetry is one I tend to agree with: that it’s distinctive because it’s not very interesting. Which is not to say there are no interesting Canadian poets. Far from it. It’s just that the interesting ones have managed to transcend our literary fascination with the whole ‘True North Strong and Free’ ethos of surviving in the wilds against all odds. Though, for better or worse for poetry’s sake, it’s part of our heritage.”

What We Talk About When We Talk About Poetry, with Zachariah Wells, Anita Lahey, Jason Guriel and Robert Earl Stewart takes place @ Biblioasis Bookstore, Saturday March 22nd, 4:30PM.