The Grammar of Distance

by Ian Burgham

With imagery that is by turns sensuous and rough-hewn, the poems of this collection crackle with energy—they are poems of compassion that demand attention. The poetic landscapes frequent the windswept coasts of Scotland, but inevitably return to Canada, celebrating all manner of the Canadian heartland’s hazards and risks through details of snowshoeing, surveying, and chopping wood. Although deeply personal and intensely emotional, the poems present relationships and connections that have a universal resonance, whether while grieving or ranting or glorifying. The poems represent a philosophical poet with a restless soul who is not afraid to ask big questions.

96 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2010

Reviews

[Edward Fenner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very nice poetry. I heard the author read from this collection a year ago. I started it then was interrupted by an illness. I just found it and read it again, this time finishing it. Glad I did. Ian Burgham has a lovely style.

[THE TORONTO QUARTERLY · Rating 4 out of 5]

Burgham has been described as an intellectual, a poet with a philosophical mindset who asks the big questions! Not sure if he ranks up there with Purdy quite yet, but then again, who does?