If grief is the willingness to be claimed by a story bigger than ourselves, Susan Musgrave writes, “in that / tender wavering, I let grief in.”

But to say this is a collection solely about grief would be to miss the whole nature of Musgrave’s voice and sensibility. Wit is one counterpoint; the natural world is another. The poems share a landscape whose creatures, minutely observed, wild and tame—the winged ones most of all—dance attendance on the helplessness of our brief and mystifying human lives. Throughout "Exculpatory Lilies", Musgrave’s alertness to even the most desolate places makes her personal sorrows astonishingly potent; and her scrutiny of language and emotions makes shot silk out of sackcloth and ashes.

In a future as distant as myth, a flock of birds sets out on a dangerous journey to prevent the extinction of their ancient enemy, humanity.

PRAISE FOR THE WORKS OF SUSAN MUSGRAVE

“Enough tragedy to break your goddamn heart. But also enough craft to parse it for her readers. These poems might be bitter pills but they're coated with artisanal chocolate and gold leaf.” — WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

“Musgrave at her funniest. She hasn’t lost her edge; in fact, she’s been sharpening it.” — THE GLOBE AND MAIL

“Musgrave writes short, pristine poems, with the elegance of fresh tracks on snow. Her poem’s stark lines are freighted with wisdom deep enough that I’ve yet to scrape the bottom.” — DALHOUSIE REVIEW

“Through the collection’s quiet, mindful acceptance of sorrow, Musgrave has managed to suck the pain out of it. Sorrow simply becomes another way to experience beauty.” — PACIFIC RIM REVIEW OF BOOKS