A Bruise On Light

by Shane L. Koyczan

A new collection of poetry from Shane Koyczan.The poems touch on a range of human experiences bringing depth to life's lighter side, and humour to our darker moments.

Genres: Poetry, Nonfiction

108 pages, ebook

First published January 1, 2014

About the author

Shane L. Koyczan is a Canadian poet and writer. Born in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, Koyczan grew up in Penticton, British Columbia. In 2000, he became the first Canadian to win the Individual Championship title at the US National Poetry Slam. Together with Mighty Mike McGee and C. R. Avery, he is the co-founder of spoken word, "talk rock" trio, Tons of Fun University (T.O.F.U.).

Koyczan performed a variation on his piece "We Are More" at the Opening Ceremony of the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver.

Reviews

[Zeta Syanthis · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's like I can hear him speaking it in person. Gosh, these words are so beautiful, and the heart from which they sprang even more so than I had thought.

[Camila · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is quite beautiful. I had to read some of the lines more than once because they just sounded so good. Not all poems in this collection spoke to me, but it is for sure worth reading.

[Laura A. Barton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this in one sitting, cover to cover, wrapped up in the words of each poem. Koyczan has a particular elegance and way with words in all his poetry, even when he uses language that might not seem so eloquent. This collection is no different as his brilliance shines through and reminds us of the important things in life, maybe even awakening to us some of the things we didn't realize were so important to start. His way with words never ceases to amaze me, and their power never loses force. Another amazing collection from this amazing poet.

[Dominique Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely a huge fan of Shane Koyczan and super glad I can say that I own one of his works now. I'd probably put this up there with my favorite books

[Elle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been familiar with Shane since 2013 when I, along with 4.1 million other people, watched his Ted talk where he gave a spoken word performance of his poem 'To This Day'. I was then extremely lucky to watch him live in London in 2017.

He is an artist that is worth the extra effort to see him perform his work so I was hesitant to ever read his poetry books because I was scared they would never meet my expectations. How wrong was I? This is a fantastic collection. I read every word with his lovely voice in my head and I nearly cried at how emotionally raw it was.

My personal favourites are For Many, For the Loneliest City, Rehearsal and Quiet Time.

Times like this I wish I had more influence in the world as I feel like he is so underrated as an artist and I want so many more people to recognise his talent!

[Jordan Daniels · Rating 5 out of 5]

I feel in love with Koyczan with his album Remembrance Year, and I haven't turned back since. He has a way with words that left me underlining and writing notes in the margins. Passages such as:

perhaps death
is collecting us like stamps
hoping to one day have enough postage
to send in his resignation

[Abby Woods · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing man and writer. I am moved every time I read or hear him. Highly recommended.

[Lara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful as always but I just prefer to hear poetry spoken aloud rather than reading it in my own head!

[Vee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Favourite collection of his yet. Couldn't find it forever and then found it on his website. My favorite poems are For Many and Extinction but this is a solid collection of works as a whole too.

[Rob Melich · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun serious and always thoughtful poetry

[Alena Barczak · Rating 2 out of 5]

A little too ethereal for me

[Nicté · Rating 5 out of 5]

Words flow effortlessly in front of you page to page and you jump from sharing love, to admiring the people around, to saying goodbye to those that are no longer with us and realizing, we are dying...but we are not dead yet...and you will end up needing more of his poetry soon enough.

[Libby Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful.

[Jenna C]

I thoroughly enjoyed the whole entire book! I would definately read it over and over again.

[Catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can't wait for the next book. Absolutely fabulous visions.

[Helen Sinclair · Rating 5 out of 5]

<3

Shane Koyczan is quite possibly my favourite Wordsmith. Beautiful and lyrical <3 if you haven't discovered you need him in your life yet, you're missing out on a lot

[Janice · Rating 5 out of 5]

No words...

The words I read reached inside me and said everything I never could. It was beautiful and heartbreaking and breathtaking.

[Cassie Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love Shane Koyczan's poetry. I never fail to be moved.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again, a beautiful set of poems. I'm so excited to see him on Saturday!!