As If

as if there could be no

other memory

a tree invisible

remembering itself

In As If, E.D. Blodgett takes readers on journeys of contemplation in which he re-imagines the lyric form. Each line leaves the reader breathless as it runs into the next to form a continuous cycle, a continued breath. The delicate syntax of each piece pushes one forward, ever forward. The poems are Dantesque, leading the traveller through a deeper, darker world. As a collection, As If constitutes an ars poetica of Blodgett's Apostrophes series. The poems explore the elements that make up the series—strict metrical patterns, the possibilities of breath, the endlessness and seamlessness of the spoken word, the incantation.

E.D. Blodgett has published numerous books of poetry as well as diverse criticism and literary translations. He is Distinguished University Professor Emeritus of Comparative Literature at the University of Alberta. He has won the Governor General’s Award twice, for poetry and translation. From 2007 to 2009 he was Edmonton's Poet Laureate. Blodgett lives in South Surrey, British Columbia.