University of Guelph Prof. Dionne Brand’s new book of poetry, The Blue Clerk, was shortlisted for the Governor General’s literary award for poetry.

Brand, a professor in the School of English and Theatre Studies, is an award-winning author and poet whose writing is known for its beautiful language and for tackling themes of social justice and issues of gender and race. She is also a member of the Order of Canada.

Her new collection takes the form of an argument between the poet and the titular “blue clerk,” who is the keeper of the page. Throughout their conversation, philosophers, poets and artists are referenced, and memory, culture, language and beauty are explored.

Brand’s previous awards include the Governor General’s Award for Poetry, the Trillium Prize for Literature, the Pat Lowther Award for Poetry, the Harbourfront Writers’ Prize and the Toronto Book Award.