What readers are saying about
BUTTERFLY BEAUTIFLY BEAUTIFUL
“Paul Aird writes eloquently and draws from a deep well of environmental sensibility.”
— Don Scallen, author of NATURE Where We Live: Activities to Engage Your Inner Scientist from Pond Dipping to Animal Tracking, Knotty Toad Press, 2020
“This is a little gem of a poetry book…. It makes for a lovely marriage of visuals and the emotion beyond the words. And the playfulness… I have some favourites: Pollen to Flower, The Beloved Sun, Listers, The Saw-Whet, Old Jack, Canada’s Conservation Policy, Spring … and more.”
— L.S., Kalso, British Columbia
“Paul Aird has given me a gift I didn’t know I needed.”
— D.R., Moffatt, Ontario
“The entire package is such a delight….I admire the different styles of poetry, which really captures my interest. I am drawn to the Haiku-like poems such as Lakehood and Love, and the poetry that has a sense of traditional Chinese poetry, short, evocative, the kind that lingers, such as Literacy, who?, Bears.”
— C.H., Ottawa, Ontario
“Reading Paul Aird’s poems and listening to them on the portal is like an elixir for the soul.”
— C.M., Montréal, Québec
“I love the variety, the tone, the wisdom. The book really moves between despair and reverence and holds those two responses together really nicely.”
— B.M., Guelph, Ontario
“It’s an incredible poetry book…. I wish I had a book like this when I was in high school. I might have enjoyed the poetry section of English classes a thousand times more. I laughed at ‘Canada’s Conservation Policy.’”
— M.C., St. Augustin de Desmaures, Québec
“I love Paul Aird’s poems! Whether whimsical or sorrowful, whether celebration or lament, they get right to the heart of the matter when it comes to the often-sorry relationship between us humans and other species, and they inspire us to do better.”
— M.H., Cobourg, Ontario
“The poems resonate so much with those of us who are in love and I mean really in love and awe of and with the natural world!”
— C.L., Toronto, Ontario
“I dip into [the book] quite often; it always makes me think and ponder afresh.”
— E.W., Penrith, Cumbria, UK
“The poem that remains with me most vividly is ‘Conserve.’ I’m going to take my time reading each one and already know I will revisit many, if not all.”
— R.R., Meaford, Ontario
“I love ‘Governments.’ And ‘Algonquin Pine’ sure speaks to British Columbia at this moment….”
— A.H., Victoria, British Columbia
“Profound and often poignant, the book is packed with meaning, facts, advice and, of course, love of subject. Although it contains sharp lessons, it is a pleasure to spend time with the book and its physical presentation complements the contents.”
— D.N., Toronto, Ontario
“A simply splendid, truly charming new volume of nature poetry…I settled into my reclining chair and was immediately captivated by Paul Aird’s writing and wisdom.”
— B.P., Flesherton, Ontario
“Paul Aird’s passion and concern for our planet and all its inhabitants rings loud and clear.”
— B.M., Montréal, Québec
“Paul Aird inspires those who get to know him through the poems.”
— M.B., Conception Bay South, Newfoundland & Labrador
“I was tempted to read right through it but am trying to discipline myself. It’s wonderful!”
— W.K., Willowdale, Ontario
“I’m limiting myself to a few [poems] a day so I can appreciate them, and I very much do.”
— P.D., Halifax, Nova Scotia
“Paul Aird’s poetry beautifully captures my experience of the Canadian wilderness.”
— R.N., Toronto, Ontario
“I prefer to browse, read a single piece, and let it digest. Paul Aird is a vibrant wordsmith.”
— T.L., Carrying Place, Ontario
“It’s especially inspired – besides, of course, the theme of passion and preservation of nature – in the incorporation of music, art and photography.’
— E.P., Thunder Bay, Ontario
“’The Saw-Whet’ poem is so beautiful. I think it’s my favourite in the book. I read it often.”
— G.D., Inglewood, Ontario
