Postcard poet Richard Osler died last night. Huge thanks to all postcard poets who wrote & sent a postcard poem to this fine human and poet. He accepted death like no one I have ever known. A book, his last love letter to life entitled What Holiness Will I Bring, will be released soon. It has many poems in it that started as postcard poems.

From Richard Osler’s Caring Bridge site.
Monday, October 28, 2024
Liz McNally — 10/26/24
Hello Everyone,
Somae has asked me to share this news with all of you.

Today the world became much smaller, as Richard Osler slipped from our gaze, on his way to his next great adventure. His leaving, itself a poem, he passed away just after midnight as an epic windstorm swept across the West Coast.

He left as he lived, in his own unique way, unafraid, full of peace and joy, surrounded by his beloved family and those he held most dear. It will surprise no one in the poetry community that even in his final hours he was sharing poems and teaching.

As many of you know, Richard’s answer when Somae asked what he would do if he had more time, was that he would publish the poems he’d written in late 2023 and earlier this year as a final collection. In partnership with Micheline Maylor and Frontenac Press, Richard made that possible through divine intervention, late nights, minor miracles and more than a little serendipity. What Holiness Will I Bring, is in pre-order now and shipping in early November. Frontenac made it possible for Richard to receive advance copies of the book in mid-October. His joy defied description as he held the book, which from that day was never more than inches from his hand, it provided perhaps what no medicine could.
On October 25th, Laura Apol and Daniel Scott, who were holding a poetry retreat in Honeymoon Bay, invited Richard to launch his book. He was able to zoom in through the ethers and looked transcendent as he listened to Somae, his children and other dear ones read his poems. He spoke of his process, he spoke of his gratitude to Micheline, he spoke of his love of poetry and his love for his poetic community, of which each one of you are a part.

At the end of the launch, just before he signed off, Richard recited this poem by Derek Wolcott. One of many he memorized over the years and a favourite. He couldn’t quite recall every line that night, but if you read it aloud now, I’m certain wherever he is, he will hear it and join you, as a kind of prayer for your life.

Much love,

Liz

Love After Love

— Derek Wolcott

The time will come
when, with elation
you will greet yourself arriving
at your own door, in your own mirror
and each will smile at the other’s welcome,
and say, sit here. Eat.
You will love again the stranger who was your self.
Give wine. Give bread. Give back your heart
to itself, to the stranger who has loved you
all your life, whom you ignored
for another, who knows you by heart.
Take down the love letters from the bookshelf,
the photographs, the desperate notes,
peel your own image from the mirror.
Sit. Feast on your life