First Light, Last Light

A new book of poetry from Glen Sorestad, one of Canada’s elder literary icons, is cause for celebration.

First Light, Last Light is the first book in six years by Sorestad, who was Saskatchewan’s first poet laureate, serving two terms. As might be expected from a poet now in his 80s, the work in this volume is a mix of reflections on family, memories of youth and friends, and the not-always-pleasant aging process, all viewed with compassion, wisdom and, often, humour.

Sorestad is also a keen observer of the wildlife around him, from the birds who come to the feeder outside his window – damn those bully crows! – to the foxes and other wildlife he and his wife sometimes encounter on their morning walks.

First Light, Last Light is a book to read again and again, and treasure.

Glen Sorestad's poems have been appearing in print for more than fifty years. His poems have been presented in literary publications, in print and online, across North America and in many other countries, while being translated into at least eight languages. Among his many poetry books are two bilingual volumes, one English/Spanish and one English/Italian. Sorestad was named Saskatchewan's first Poet Laureate in 2000, becoming Canada's first provincially appointed Poet Laureate. He also spent twenty-five years as a co-founder and president of Thistledown Press, one of Canada's premier literary publishers. In 2010, he was appointed a Member of the Order of Canada. Sorestad and his wife, Sonia, live in Saskatoon. First Light, Last Light is his seventeenth book of poems.