Two new poets of power
review of Lean Days by Steve McOrmond

by George Elliott Clarke
Halifax Herald
September 1, 2004

McOrmond's first book, Lean Days, dedicated (presumably) to PEI poet laureate John Smith, reveals a voice of patented, East Coast, I-ain't-lyin' plainness, along with the unspoken erudition that university study and editing of literary magazines provides. The lyrics exude a "common touch," but one informed by much reflection, and, most importantly, by carefully and frankly observed experience.

More Reviews

• Review (Eric Barstad, PoetryReviews.ca, 2/21/2006)
• Review (Alex Boyd, ARC, 12/1/2004)
• Lean this way (Alex Pope, The Brunswickan, 9/15/2004)
• Candid voices behind mask: Debut collections delve into the personal past with sharp eye (Barbara Carey, Toronto Star, 7/11/2004)
• How to approach a poem (Elana Wolff, surface and symbol)

Other Titles by Steve McOrmond

• Primer on the Hereafter (2006)