Marty Gervais is one of Canada’s most distinguished and enduring literary figures. A poet, journalist, teacher, editor, publisher, fiction writer, and photographer, he has shaped the country’s literary and cultural landscape for decades. The Shape of Disappearing Letters, his newest collection of poetry, further solidifies the depth and range of his literary legacy.
In this deeply moving book, Gervais transforms failing eyesight into a source of astonishing clarity. As the poet writes, “These poems were composed during the rapid progression of age-related macular degeneration and document the shifting borders of a world growing softer, stranger—and unexpectedly more wondrous.”
“Gervais is a natural storyteller, and in The Shape of Disappearing Letters he shares his determination to convey the wonder and challenges of life despite the decline of his physical vision. But as Milton knew, failing sight not only broadens poetic vision but expands the spectrum of a poet’s humanity and passion for the wonder of life.”
— Bruce Meyer, Canadian poet, broadcaster, educator, and author of more than 64 books of poetry, short fiction, and nonfiction
