By Jessica Sheppard, Director, Program Integration

Parry Sound-based poet, Jack Davis, spent more than ten summers alone in a fire lookout in Alberta, where he had ample time to observe the wilderness and to consider the value and experiences that exist before and beyond human language in the flora and fauna around us. He described the experience as one where he was the "foreign object" in wilderness; thus felt it was his role to fit in with the natural world, not mould it around human needs. These observations form the basis of many of the works in his poetry collection, Faunics.

‍The Local Perspectives cohort of Grade 12 students had the privilege last Friday of culminating their May Term English learning, and exploration of Faunics, by spending the afternoon in conversation with Jack. According to one student: "Jack utilises a unique style of poetry that involves phonetics and structure while incorporating themes of nature. The class was intrigued by Jack Davis’ work and were keen to learn more about it. The day ended with a short poetry activity that everybody was engaged in.” (Fari, Class of '23) The students shared a wonderful variety of questions and ideas, ranging from inquiries about Jack's writing process, which poets inspire him (so many, but Paul Celan is a long-time favourite), and what his favourite works in his collection are; to sharing their own interpretations of his poems, asking for input on the creative process ("art is just making choices"), and exploring the steps of publishing in general. It was a wonderful afternoon, and so inspiring to watch RLC students both learn from an expert's wisdom, and vulnerably share their own wisdom back with him.