Robert Priest
Biography
For decades Robert Priest has inspired students of all ages with his poetry presentations and workshops. Winner of the People's Poetry award, he takes seriously the task of composing accessible, immediate poems. The author of 21 books of poetry: 13 for adults and 11 for children, he has also written 3 stage plays, 4 young-adult fantasy novels, the screenplay Magicland and lots of musical CDS. His co-writes with indigenous balladeer Julian Taylor, including Seeds (They tried to Bury Us) and Pathways, achieved top five status on the CBC, while the rock ballad, Song Instead of a Kiss, as sung by Alannah Myles, spent two weeks at #1 in Canada.
Robert maintains a very active performance schedule as a poet and, with his band, as a singer/songwriter.
“A Canadian gem.... should be in every child's home.” Michelle Landsberg.
“Snappy, funny, spot-on micro poems — plus much more.” -- Margaret Atwood
Micro-interview
Yes, I did read poetry in high school. I even read it in public school. I was particularly drawn to Leonard Cohen's poem A Kite is a Victim.
I wrote my first poem at the age of eight. I always wanted to be a writer, but I didn't start to think of myself as specifically a poet till I was about 19.
To fulfil the obligations and pleasures of their own concept of what a poet should write. To bring magic to words. To notice and express the poetic aspects of existence. In the case of writing for children, to delight, amuse, teach and inspire. To provide an energetic alternate to the prose outlook. To write poems that people will love and want to be able to quote. To provide a bit of the ceremonial side of things. To get at the truth in an agile and imaginative way. To satirize and declaim unjust power. To celebrate where applicable. To express emotion in original ways.
I'm not familiar with your anthology. Happy to look at it later. I would most likely choose something, lyrical, elegant, and original.
