Too Bad by Robert Kroetsch

In Robert Kroetsch's recent collection of lyrical poetry, Too Bad, he explores the many facets of his emotional life with humour and warmth. He warns us, "This book is not an autobiography. It is a gesture toward a self-portrait, which is a very different kettle of fish."

Kroetsch's unvarnished approach is part of his charm: a horse's ass is not a petunia. "To hell with plastic surgery. We've come to like the scars." He can laugh at himself, "insanely happy" to bask in the brief sun of summer in Cottage Season. ("Robins come back. They build their nests / in blowing snow.")

If you are in Edmonton tomorrow, September 14, you can catch Robert Kroetsch reading at Leva Cappucino Bar at 6:30 pm.