Like the rhapsodists, the storytellers of ancient Greece, A Pretty Sight shapes voices of the past and present into a stitched song lifted and sounded toward the next century. Haunted by "time's frame / that dark shape near the edge of the canvass," O’Meara's new book explores aspects of culture, art, war, rebellion and technology, offering defiance amid decay.

Review

"O'Meara is a poet of the personal. Of the person. In and amongst the social documentary and human observation at which he excels, here is a writer prepared to put feelings on the line and to argue his case with the reader. This is proud, felt, and affecting work – I can't think of many other poets so prepared to engage and so equipped to succeed." – Simon Armitage"Since the 1999 release of his debut collection, Storm still, Ottawa bartender David O'Meara has quietly earned a reputation as one of the best poets in the country. His third book does much to solidify his front-rank standing ... His skill, insight, and discipline make the collection richer with each rereading." – Quill & Quire

About the Author

David O'Meara: David O'Meara lives in Ottawa, Ontario. He is the author of three collections of poetry, and a play, Disaster. His most recent book is Noble Gas, Penny Black (Brick Books, 2008). He is director of the renowned Plan 99 Reading Series and was the Canadian judge for the 2012 Griffin Poetry Prize.