2024 Fred Cogswell Award for Excellence in Poetry, Third Place Winner From Lorna Crozier, the poet that Ursula Le Guin called a “truth teller” and “visionary,” comes a collection of soul-stirring poems that follow the death of a loved one. After That is a book written from the dark hollow we fall into when we lose those we love. Lorna Crozier’s sure poetry finds the words to engage with the grief that comes from the death of her partner, the writer Patrick Lane, whom she’d lived with for forty years, many of them tumultuous. With grace and precision, she illuminates sorrow. The light the poems cast travels far enough to reach anyone who has experienced loss. These pages engage us with many familiar yet magical things—not only paper wasps, but their libraries; not only herons, but their role as aging monks. Crozier takes us through the domestic and natural worlds into the cagey and metaphysical place we call the beyond. Without offering false comfort, the poems turn over our own grief so that we can catch a glimpse of the new life inside us again.
Lorna Crozier Book order
Lorna Crozier is celebrated for her profound engagement with themes ranging from the ethereal to the everyday, approached with a distinctive blend of grace, wisdom, and wit. Her poetry captivates readers and writers alike with its insightful observations and surprising turns of phrase. Beyond her own acclaimed collections, Crozier is a revered mentor, nurturing emerging poetic voices. Her work consistently elevates the profile of poetry, enriching both Canadian and international literary landscapes.






- 2023
- 2020
Through the Garden: A Love Story (with Cats)
- 240 pages
- 9 hours of reading
"A powerful, deeply affecting portrait of a long marriage and a clear-eyed account of the impact of grief, writing as consolation, and the enduring significance of poetry from one of Canada's most celebrated voices. We ran off together in 1978, abandoning our marriages and leaving wreckage in our wake. I was a 'promising writer,' Patrick has just won the Governor General's Award. I was so happy for him, and I've continued to be every time an honour comes his way, but I knew if I didn't grow, if I remained merely someone who showed potential, we wouldn't last. I swore I wouldn't play the dutiful wife, cheerleader, and muse, of the great male writer, and he didn't want a partner like that. We wanted to flourish together and thrive in words and books and gardens. 'Canada's powerhouse literary couple,' Lorna Crozier and Patrick Lane's partnership spanned forty years before his death in March 2019. They wrote more than forty books between them, balancing their writing lives and their occasionally tumultuous relationship. Then, in January 2017, their life together changed forever when Patrick fell seriously ill. Despite tests and the opinions of many specialists, doctors were baffled--there was no diagnosis and no treatment plan. Patrick's illness was devastating to them both. During this time, Lorna turned to her writing--and Patrick's--as a way of making sense of her grief and as consolation. The result is an intimate, revealing, and intensely moving memoir that traces the two most significant forces in Lorna's life: her work in poetry and her partnership with the writer Patrick Lane. Through the Garden is an elegy, a love story, and a lesson in what poetry is and can do."-- Provided by publisher
- 2018
God of Shadows: Poems
- 96 pages
- 4 hours of reading
This new collection of poems showcases a celebrated poet's ability to blend humor, wisdom, and emotional depth. Praised by Ursula K. Le Guin, the work is characterized by its storytelling quality and visionary insights, offering readers a captivating experience filled with unexpected moments and profound reflections.
- 2017
More Than Balloons
- 26 pages
- 1 hour of reading
Featuring playful imagery, this lyrical board book beautifully conveys the depth of a parent's love. Through charming illustrations, it captures the warmth and affection that defines the parent-child bond, making it a delightful read for both children and their caregivers.
- 2017
What the Soul Doesn't Want
- 64 pages
- 3 hours of reading
Lorna Crozier's latest collection captivates with its exploration of aging and grief through arresting and edgy poetry, offering a surprising and invigorating perspective. The poems serve as a defiant balm, balancing themes of sorrow with the whimsical elements of nature. Vivid imagery, such as the vision of a fly and the naming of an eggplant, intertwines with quirky narratives, including a woman who finds unexpected companionship with cockroaches. This collection invites readers to reflect on the passage of time while celebrating life's eccentricities.
- 2017
This chapbook features a collection of poems from sixteen talented poets, crafted during a workshop led by Lorna Crozier at Wintergreen Studios in 2017. The diverse voices include notable contributors such as Laura Apol, Frances Boyle, and Mary Corkery, showcasing a variety of themes and styles. The book is complemented by a striking cover photograph by Peter Coffman, enhancing the artistic presentation of this collaborative literary effort.
- 2016
A collaborative chapbook features poetry from fifteen diverse voices, all crafted during a week-long retreat at Wintergreen Studios under the guidance of Lorna Crozier. The collection showcases a variety of themes and styles, reflecting the unique perspectives of poets such as Susan Alexander, Sandra Campbell, and Rona Shaffran, among others. This gathering of talent emphasizes the creative energy fostered in a communal setting, highlighting the power of collaboration in the poetic process.
- 2015
This collection features a diverse array of poems crafted during the spring of 2015 at Wintergreen Studios, showcasing the talents of various poets including Susan Alexander, Laura Apol, and Lorna Crozier, who also edited the anthology. The works reflect a range of voices and styles, offering readers a rich tapestry of contemporary poetry.
- 2015
So Many Babies
- 24 pages
- 1 hour of reading
Exploring the enchanting world of baby animals, this book invites readers to discover various young creatures in their natural habitats. With vibrant illustrations and engaging text, it highlights the unique characteristics and behaviors of these adorable wildlife infants. The narrative emphasizes the importance of nature and wildlife conservation, making it an educational journey for young readers. Perfect for animal lovers, it fosters a sense of wonder and appreciation for the natural world.
- 2015
Exploring the intricate connections between humans and animals, this collection features vivid characters and poignant themes. With a blend of sly humor and deep emotion, it delves into personal experiences, such as a mother's final moments and the existential musings of a man questioning his wife's love. Crozier's signature lyrical style, rich imagery, and keen observations create a tapestry of life's complexities, offering readers an affirmation amidst the challenges of existence.