Figuring Ground

In a darkly elegant collection of verse, Robert Moore examines his family, his future and cows. These poems border on noir, with the collection interspersing philosophy, sardonic wit and arresting imagery. From the "unlikely pair of cupcakes" that are his Mother's girlhood friends, to the philosophizing cows that end the book, this is a collection of unexpected turns, intricate verse and a strong, original voice.

Reviews

Equine, Bovine, Divine (Owen Percy, Canadian Literature, 8/1/2011)
“Moore’s background in theatre is immediately evident; one often feels, in fact, that Figuring Ground is more of a one-man show with a cast of dozens than just a boring old book of poems.”

Review (Suzanne Bownes, Journal of Canadian Poetry 26, 8/1/2011)
“A variety of poems that satisfy at both an intellectual and an emotional level.”

Review (Paul T. Vogel, Midwest Book Review, 3/1/2010)
"[Moore's] wit and ideas provide many intriguing ideas, making Figuring Ground an excellent and fun choice for readers."

Moore excels with imagination, metaphor and fun, says reviewer (Michael O. Nowlan, Daily Gleaner, 8/1/2009)
“Robert Moore's Figuring Ground is poetry that requires attention to detail, much of which veers in various directions, but retains its initial drumbeat throughout each utterance."

Robert Moore's third collection of poetry takes risks on fresh means of expression. (Heather Craig, Telegraph-Journal, 4/4/2009)
“Opening a book of poetry by Robert Moore, you can expect a few things. . .  all fluidly connected by wit and references that are urbane and accessible.”

Downloads

Tonight.mp3
Robert Moore reading "Tonight"

Visitation.mp3
Robert Moore reading "Visitation"

And Counting.mp3
Robert Moore reading "And Counting"

About the Author

Robert Moore was born in Hamilton, Ontario, and now resides in Saint John, New Brunswick. Currently a professor of English at the University of New Brunswick in Saint John, his poetry has appeared in The Fiddlehead, Wascana Review, Ink Magazine, The New Quarterly, Canadian Author, Prairie Fire, Maisonneuve, Pottersfield Portfolio, The Gaspereau Review, CV2, and Quadrant. His first book of poetry, So Rarely in Our Skins (finalist for both The Atlantic Poetry Prize and the Margaret and John Savage First Book Award, and long-listed for the ReLit Award in Poetry), came out in 2002. His second book, Museum Absconditum (2006), also long-listed for the ReLit Award, was published in 2006. He is also the author of a dozen plays.