Irving Layton

Irving Layton

Irving Peter Layton, OC (March 12, 1912 – January 4, 2006) was a Romanian-born Canadian poet. He was known for his "tell it like it is" style which won him a wide following but also made enemies. As T. Jacobs notes in his biography (2001), Layton fought Puritanism throughout his life:

Layton's work had provided the bolt of lightning that was needed to split open the thin skin of conservatism and complacency in the poetry scene of the preceding century, allowing modern poetry to expose previously unseen richness and depth.

Read more about Irving Layton:  Recognition, Discography

Famous quotes by irving layton:

    Progress of a marriage:
    ‘There was a time when you couldn’t
    make me happy.
    Now the time has come when you can’t
    make me unhappy.’
    Irving Layton (b. 1912)

    And me happiest when I compose poems:
    Love, power, the huzza of battle
    are something, are much:
    yet a poem includes them like a pool
    water and reflection.
    Irving Layton (b. 1912)

    how seasonably
    leaf and blossom uncurl
    and living things arrange their death,
    while someone from afar off
    blows birthday candles for the world.
    Irving Layton (b. 1912)