memory loss is a wonderful poem from The Blue dragonfly, healing through poetry, a recently published poetry collection by 71-year-old first-time author, Veronica Eley, of Dartmouth. Like all other poems in the book memory loss is inspired by experiences encountered when re-living and thinking through traumatic events that took place mostly in Nova Scotia.
“Horror sits comfortably beside me.”One of the NS Advocate’s favourite poets, Chad Norman reflects on Canada Day and the horror of Canada’s residential schools.
This month’ excellent poem is Rock, by eco-poet, writer and theater artist Elizabeth Glenn-Copeland. It was written as part of a residency at the Joggins Fossil Institute in Parrsboro.
Palestinian American poet’s Lena Khalaf Tuffaha Running Orders was circulating widely on the internet in 2014, when over 2100 Palestinians, most of whom were civilians, were killed during Israel’s “Operation Protective Edge.” Sadly nothing much has changed. At least 232 Palestinians, including 65 children, were killed during the Israeli bombardment of Gaza that ended with the May 20 ceasefire.
The Nova Scotia Advocate has always been honoured to publish the amazing writing of Angela Bowden. We did a long interview to mark the publication of her first poetry collection, Unspoken Truth. In the interview we explore some of the themes of her book, and how growing up Black in New Glasgow shaped her and helped her recognize the deeply traumatic impact of racism on generations of Black Nova Scotians.
I wasn’t planning for poetry this weekend, but that changed on the spot after reading this poem about ableism, Bill c-7, poverty, colonialism, and so much more, by the always brilliant Gabrielle Peters.
Resilient roots, an excellent new poem by Guyleigh Johnson.
I’m an African Nova Scotian
From sea to land and land to sea
There’s no way you can see Nova Scotia
And not see me
Check out this week’s weekend video, featuring Angela Bowden reading two of her poems, “Black Boy Guilty” and “The Belly of the Beast.”
The Visitor, a poem by Truro poet Lenora Steele about her friend Effie.
Effie is not
homeless, she has a room and a
kitchenette, a shared toilet, the landlord
is on a first name basis with
her social worker, Effie’s rent goes
straight to him.