The poems in this collection are a voyage of self-discovery. They are poems of disclosure, of exposure, of allowing one’s self to be vulnerable, of telling truths. The poet touches upon myriad themes such as bird-watching, illness, accidents—but through all of these, she examines the complexity of human feeling and relationships. These relationships can be familial or romantic, and as such, poems explore the poet’s relationship with her mother and sister as well as with her husband and, at times, her children. Engagement Calendar documents a personal journey through many decades; it is a book about the territory of family life, and it speaks to the many experiences that make up an individual’s life. These poems have received input from such known poets as Al Moritz, Bruce Meyer, Ken Babstock, Laura Lush, Rhea Tregbov and Molly Peacock. There is a polish here that attests to Rutherford’s own voice but that also suggests she has learned a great deal from others who know how to teach. The poems are straightforward and direct — an antidote to the complexity and obscurity of some modern poetry, and therefore will appeal to a wider audience of readers.

Mary Aird Rutherford worked for many years as a research editor for Canadian authors Pierre Berton, Kenneth Bagnell and Jack Batten. Upon retirement, she found a new love — poetry — and began attending writing workshops. She wrote her first poem at the age of 60. Since, then her poetry was shortlisted in the cbc Literary Awards competition in 2005 and has been published in several Canadian journals. At age 75, Engagement Calendar is her first published collection of poetry. She lives with her husband in Toronto.

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