by Gillian Crowley –
Renowned poets Lorna Crozier and Patrick Lane, Officers of the Order of Canada and each winners of the Governor General’s award for poetry, have made the Saanich Peninsula their home together for 25 years. Silvered by frost, their elegant Japanese-style garden reflects both their creativity and shared interests. Although each is on a separate journey in their poetry, exploring very different styles, tone and subjects, their regard for each other’s talent is evident throughout our conversation.
Patrick recalls that when they first met over 30 years ago he was “stunned” by the quality of Lorna’s writing. At the time, Lorna was familiar with Patrick’s writing as he was already a well-respected published writer. “His work really hit me in the gut and made me want to learn to be a better poet,” she says.
Early in their relationship, Lorna and Patrick tried writing alternating poems and once conducted an argument by writing angry poems back and forth. Eventually they decided that they were on their own creative paths and for Patrick, especially, writing is “an extremely solitary art.” Even so, they still ask for feedback on each other’s drafts. Lorna laughs: “Sometimes we want to say ‘What do you know?’ but we really respect each other’s opinions and usually rework the piece after hearing what the other has to say.” Their mutual affection and respect are reflected in the way they often finish each other’s sentences and express appreciation for one another’s particular turn of phrase.
Some of Patrick’s poems, like his meticulous creation of bonsai trees, can take up to five years to complete. His often dark poetry is meant to challenge his readers: “I don’t want the reader to escape through my writing but to engage with their lives.” Lorna’s desire is to have each of her poems be full of “surprise and wonder for me, and for the reader.” If Lorna revisits an earlier unpublished poem, she tries to “startle” it into becoming something different. In fact, the couple can still surprise each other. When Lorna described reading aloud each line or sentence several times before she moves forward, Patrick was surprised as this was quite different from his own writing process. They were obviously delighted to learn something new about each other.
They agree their strong relationship has had a positive impact on their writing. Patrick reflects: “I think I’ve been a lazy writer in the past and Lorna has pushed me to become more productive.” (This from the man who has completed 28 books of poetry alone.) In response, Lorna says: “Patrick’s ability has raised the bar for me … and it really helps to be with a person who values what you do every day.”
Despite failing eyesight, Patrick has just completed a novel, Between Two Mountains, set in a central B.C. mill town in the 1950s. After working with the longer form, he says it’s a relief to return to poetry for a while. This spring Lorna will publish a new book of poetry titled What the Soul Doesn’t Want, (published by Freehand Books), described as “arresting, edgy poems about aging and grief.”
Both agree the local environment is essential to their art, including the large community of writers nearby. Lorna observes that the quality of the independent bookstores, the literary festivals and the gathering places for beginning poets to read their work all contribute to the vibrant creativity of the region. Lorna and Patrick themselves are generous with their time and currently mentor others by holding poetry retreats three times a year.
When Lorna talks about poetry readings, it could be a metaphor for their own kinship: “Poetry is music, so in a reading, we get to sing these songs to people.” As in their poems, the music continues to resonate between these two poets.
Lorna Crozier and Patrick Lane will read from their work February 10 at Shoal Centre, 7 p.m. Proceeds will support the fall 2017 Sidney Literary Festival. More at www.sidneyliteraryfestival.ca.
Photo by www.nuttycake.com.
