Whylah Falls
CBC Books | CBC | Posted: February 22, 2017 2:42 PM | Last Updated: July 21, 2017
George Elliott Clarke
An exuberant, book-length narrative poem that includes snatches of lyric, songs and sonnets, Whylah Falls is the fictionalized portrait of a black community in Nova Scotia in the early 20th century. It features a grand passion, a chilling crime and a family's struggle with loss, all rendered in lively, engaging detail.
Whylah Falls was a contender in the inaugural edition of Canada Reads, in 2002. It was defended by Nalo Hopkinson.
From the book
Desire illuminates the dark manuscript
of our skin with beetles and butterflies.
After the lightning and rain has ceased,
after the lightning and rain of lovemaking
has ceased, Selah will dive again into the
sunflower-open river.
of our skin with beetles and butterflies.
After the lightning and rain has ceased,
after the lightning and rain of lovemaking
has ceased, Selah will dive again into the
sunflower-open river.
From Whylah Falls by George Elliott Clarke ©1990. Published by Gaspereau Press.