Glimpse

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There is no way to forget any moment, except in its sequence.
As with the knife, the longer the conversation, the less frequently it comes to a point.
Do not discount the stupid bravery of the first to arrive.
The butterfly’s wings are nothing to the overwhelming force of the common.
Knowledge is what happens when you rob suspicion of doubt.

— from Glimpse

Glimpse is a book of 409 aphorisms, a form that straddles the line between poetry and philosophy, yet is likely more accessible to the general public than either. Each tiny, crafted piece is, in its entirety, not simply a distilled poem or a pre-poem or a poem explained, but rather a crystallized poetic essence — an attempt at getting closer to, and preserving, the poetic moment or epiphany by capturing the first thoughts generated during the impulse to write rather than the thought long held and worked and shaped.

AUTHOR

George Murray

George Murray is the award-winning author of eight books of poems and aphorisms as well as a book for children. His poems have appeared in magazines and journals around the world. He grew up in rural Ontario and has spent time abroad in Italy, Mexico, and New York City but now calls St. John’s, Newfoundland, his home.

Reviews

“Murray is one of the few poets publishing aphorisms in English today, and Glimpse proves he is also one of the best. . . . we get a glimpse into the soul of a man — eloquent, wry, contradictory, profound.” — Quill & Quire

“Glimpse is an engaging little package of 409 aphorisms. . . . Murray may have come up with the ideal poetic form for the age of Twitter. It’s easy to breeze through its bite-sized witticisms in a sitting. And yet, what’s perhaps a bit surprising is that the book continues to yield enjoyment, and a sense of discovery, on re-reading.” — Toronto Star

“A compelling, singular work . . . Murray is the kind of poet Canada needs way more of: a Kung Fu Buddhist who walks his own pet.” — Broken Pencil

“[W]hile it only takes an hour-or-so to devour this book, the benefits . . . are certain to remain with readers long after the text is completed.” — Scene Magazine

“Glimpse: Selected Aphorisms, George Murray: shld appeal to T-folks: short! sharp! salty & sweet!” — Margaret Atwood (Twitter)