A little over 5 months ago, Danica and I had the privilege of visiting Ray Souster (pronounced sou as in south) in his Bloor Street apartment. Friend and author John Robert Colombo had given me a book of Souster poems and I asked if he thought that I might get my copy autographed. John said we should check with Ray’s editor and ask.
Shortly thereafter, we were there chatting with the poet, learning a bit about his personal history, his current circumstances, his ongoing work and his love of jazz recordings. He was very easy to talk to. I got my autograph and more. We came away with more books of Ray’s vast output of poetry.
CBC has given a good account of Ray’s long and significant career. So has the Toronto Star.
The man we met was old, frail and blind. What a contrast with his work, which strikes me as strong, independent and sometimes radically opinionated. Definitely one of the good guys. I’m so glad we met him.