Southern Alberta poet Sid Marty recently received the “Al and Eurithe Purdy Poetry Prize.”
The annual literary prize recognizes the best new book of poetry in Canada, with a $10,000 cash prize. Poet Al Purdy’s widow launched the award for a poet who embodies, “exceptional talent and a profound connection to the Canadian spirit.” The award was announced Apr. 21, which marked the 24th anniversary of the award-winning poet’s death.
Marty’s new book, “Oldman’s River: New and Collected Poems” was released in 2023. Marty, who lives near Pincher Creek, writes about natural history, western life and culture. He has published numerous non-fiction and poetry books and is also a singer, songwriter and guitarist and has released two CDs of original music about Western Canada.
“I was an admirer of Al Purdy’s poetry for a long time. Al Purdy helped countless young writers and poets in the course of his long career by being and editor of anthologies, which he included those writers, including myself. Or advocating for them on behalf of getting the occasional grant or putting a word into publishers or editors that they should be taking a look at some young person’s writing back in the day. He continued that, well into his old age to where he continued to advocate for young writers,” says Marty. “It’s a real honour for me to receive this award.”
According to Marty, “Oldman’s River” was a long time in the making. “You could say it’s 50 years in the making because it incorporates my first poetry books starting in 1973 and going forward in time to 1999 and beyond. There’s a lot of new material in it, as well.”
The poetry, Marty explains, is mainly about the countryside, the natural environment and conservation issues in the Foothills, Prairies and the mountains of Alberta and British Columbia. “Some of it is inspired by the years I spent as a national park warden in the mountain national parks in B.C. and Alberta. There’s a lot of content about that lifestyle in the book.”
Marty says his poetry is accessible and the reader doesn’t need a PhD in English literature to understand it. “I’m writing poetry for people to read. I hope people will pick up the book and enjoy it.”
Songwriting and playing music, Marty adds, is a secondary career. “I don’t do a lot of performances anymore, but I still do some concerts and I write songs.”
“I have a small group in Pincher Creek called Whaleback. So, I continue to do that. That’s an important part of my life,” says Marty.
“Oldman’s River” is available through Amazon, Chapters online and from independent bookstores.