Active Pass

by Jane Munro, Roo Borson (Editor)

Jane Munro’s newest collection of poetry, Active Pass, explores connections among the visual arts, yogic discipline and self-regeneration. The book opens with a suite of ghazals arising from the conflicts in mid-life, moves into poems about Mary Pratt’s paintings and closes with a reflective sequence called “Nearer Prayer than Story.” The book’s title comes from the name of a marine channel in British Columbia. Midway on its crossing from Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay, a ferry enters Active Pass, a scenic but dangerous strait where visibility is limited and currents vigourous.

Genres: Poetry

112 pages, Paperback

First published October 21, 2010

Reviews

[Ann Douglas · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this collection of poetry, particularly the poems that dealt with everyday life. "Give thanks," for example, expresses a mother's gratitude that her far-flung grown children are thriving.

"All of us -- fleet family -- your rooms in my heart."

Munro's poetry relies heavily on images from nature (specifically the coastal region of British Columbia); and an entire section of the book is inspired by the art of Mary Pratt.

Vivid and memorable.