
That’s it E.J., work that robe. C’mon, give me those sexy eyes.
Edwin John Dove Pratt (1882 – 1964) is one of Newfoundland’s and Canada’s greatest poets. While Newfoundlanders certainly call him our own, I was surprised to see just how widespread his acclaim and influence was and is. What truly makes him a Newfoundland icon is not so much what he accomplished, but how he did it. His poetry draws heavily on Newfoundland culture and history.
He was born in Western Bay, found just north of a Sex and the Island favorite, Small Point-Broad Cove-Blackhead. He grew up in various Newfoundland communities in a Methodist family. Eventually, he made it to the University of Toronto to study and to teach for years. There a library is named after him, as well as a Medal for poetry.
If you’re unfamiliar, a good place to start would be 1923′s Newfoundland Verse.
Now, his sexy name may not be obvious to all at first. However, as I am a fan of British Television, I knew that “prat” was a solid British insult, so I looked further into it. It means “the buttocks”.
I’m not sure what sounds better: E.J. Pratt or E.J. the Buttocks. I suppose that depends if you want a stupid name or something “respectable” befitting of a poet. My vote goes to buttocks, but when doesn’t it?