As a Canadian traditionalist, I want to commend Traces for its commitment to publishing poetry, essays, and reviews that celebrate and interrogate our nation’s literary landscape. Our stars may not always shine as bright or as numerous as those of our southern neighbours, or our ancestors across the pond or on the continent. But CanLit is far from barren.
Dr. Dorothy Nielsen's essay "The Fire That Breaks from Thee" illuminates a transformative journey through poetry, faith, and form. It resonates deeply with me, recalling my own experiences with Dorothy during my freshman year at King's University College. She introduced me to the transcendent power of poetry through the works of Herbert and Hopkins, teaching me to embrace the craft and the light such works can cast on a life dimmed by grief. Her words reshaped my understanding of future possibilities, and through her guidance, I continue to find meaning in the complex interplay of the physical and metaphysical.
The essay, much like the poems it discusses, much like Dorothy's teachings, have immense social utility. Dorothy's reflections on fusion poetics—a blend of contemporary sensibilities with the grandeur of traditional forms—speak to the heart of our shared Canadian literary mission. I encourage readers to embrace this dialogue between past and present, finding in it not only inspiration but renewal.
Good teachers of poetry are hard to come by, great poets are even harder. Dr. Nielsen is one of our nation's bravest and most thoughtful. Her voice is an embrace. I am also very grateful to her for introducing me to this exciting new Canadian publishing venture.
As a Canadian traditionalist, I want to commend Traces for its commitment to publishing poetry, essays, and reviews that celebrate and interrogate our nation’s literary landscape. Our stars may not always shine as bright or as numerous as those of our southern neighbours, or our ancestors across the pond or on the continent. But CanLit is far from barren.
Dr. Dorothy Nielsen's essay "The Fire That Breaks from Thee" illuminates a transformative journey through poetry, faith, and form. It resonates deeply with me, recalling my own experiences with Dorothy during my freshman year at King's University College. She introduced me to the transcendent power of poetry through the works of Herbert and Hopkins, teaching me to embrace the craft and the light such works can cast on a life dimmed by grief. Her words reshaped my understanding of future possibilities, and through her guidance, I continue to find meaning in the complex interplay of the physical and metaphysical.
The essay, much like the poems it discusses, much like Dorothy's teachings, have immense social utility. Dorothy's reflections on fusion poetics—a blend of contemporary sensibilities with the grandeur of traditional forms—speak to the heart of our shared Canadian literary mission. I encourage readers to embrace this dialogue between past and present, finding in it not only inspiration but renewal.
Good teachers of poetry are hard to come by, great poets are even harder. Dr. Nielsen is one of our nation's bravest and most thoughtful. Her voice is an embrace. I am also very grateful to her for introducing me to this exciting new Canadian publishing venture.