Another Year By Lloyd Monteith

 

Another Year by Lloyd Monteith is the Volume 2 of his previous work, A Day in The Life released in 2019. Lloyd put together of a collection of new poems, artwork, and photography, as well as some old favourites as a fundraiser for general operations of the Backus-Page House Museum and Tyrconnell Heritage Society. This fantastic (and generous) idea formed during the COVID-19 Pandemic provincial shutdown the first half of 2020. Another Year was launched in celebration of the 16^th annual Heritage Farm Show as the poems are about farming, rural places, and antiques. If you don't already have Volume 1, A Day In The Life, consider purchasing both to get the current series. These books are $20.00 in the giftshop at Backus-Page House Museum or call for shipping arrangements. 519-762-3072 

A Day In the Life by Lloyd R. Monteith Book Review

Be prepared to  laugh out loud one minute and be taken pensively down memory lane the next in this delightful, homey and creative collection of 147 poems by writer-artist Lloyd R. Monteith.   In ‘A Day In the Life’ everyday events exhilarate (Golden Endings, 2015-page 118), ruins are restored (Trike, 2012 - page 33), turtles and turtle doves titillate (Made It, 2018 - page 52 and Splat!, 2017 - page 78), food flaunts (Cookies, 2012 - page 3 and Recipe, 2012 - page 115) history holds us (Never Empty, 2013- page 15.)

Not a poetry buff? Then, revel in the photography and marvel at the artistry accompanying each submission, both truly revealing this book was a labour of love. Never have I seen a recipe composed in such a lyrical and easy-to-follow format. It seems at every turn of the page a satisfying surprise is revealed. 

This collection is one man’s view of his corner of the world, and yet somehow the reader is carefully drawn in to see what the writer sees, hear what he hears and feel what he feels. Some poems look back. Others look forward. Some just allow the reader to revel in the ‘now.’

If I must pick a favourite it must be Golden Endings with its accompanying painting perfectly in sync. Sunsets, the topic of this poem, happen every day and once immersed in this collection I found myself hoping for another poem to read tomorrow and every day. To quote the writer in this particular submission:
“I should have learned by now
There can and will be more
The one to come tomorrow
Has never been before.”

A Day In The Life $20.00 CDN and many other books are available for purchase by contacting the museum info@backuspagehouse.ca  519-762-3072 to arrange pick up.  To have it shipped, order online at https://squareup.com/store/backuspagehouse   

Book review by Nancy Carey on behalf of the Backus-Page House Museum.