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Alastair Morrison

@alasmorrison.bsky.social
946 followers 743 following 91 posts

Psychiatry resident, poet, tolerated parent. PhD English Lit, Columbia. MD McMaster. #medicalhumanities. Poetry chapbook: www.anstrutherpress.com/new-product…

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Reposted by Alastair Morrison
The Fiddlehead @fiddlehd.bsky.social · 5h
The recording of our Issue 308 Disability: The Revolution Virtual Launch is now available to watch on our YouTube! www.youtube.com/playlist?lis...
youtube.com
Issue 308 Summer Issue Launch - YouTube
This reading took place as part of The Fiddlehead's Issue 308 Summer 2026 Launch on Thursday, September 24, 2026 with readings from A-E Best, M.L. Campbell, ...
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Alastair Morrison @alasmorrison.bsky.social · 8h
www.bbc.com/news/article...
bbc.com
Canadian poet Anne Carson wins Nobel Prize in Literature
Carson, 76, is celebrated for works that often cross boundaries between poetry, fiction and scholarship.
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rob mclennan @robmclennan.bsky.social · 18h
above/ground press: 2027 subscriptions now available! , anticipating the press' thirty-fourth year of activity, abovegroundpress.blogspot.com/2026/10/abov...
abovegroundpress.blogspot.com
above/ground press: 2027 subscriptions now available!
The race to the half-century continues! And with nearly FIFTEEN HUNDRED TITLES produced to date over the past thirty-three years, there’s be...
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KIRBY @itsakirby.bsky.social · 07/10/2026
Today at 4pm Naomi, Jessica, Cory, & me. LaHave River Books
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NewPages @newpages.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
The Fiddlehead Issue 308 is themed "Disability: The Revolution" featuring works by 60 contributors with disabilities as well as audio recordings of complete content online. Read more at NewPages! #litmags #literarycommunity #readingcommunity @fiddlehd.bsky.social
newpages.com
Magazine Stand :: The Fiddlehead - Summer 2026
The Fiddlehead international literary journal, offers thoughtful entertainment through poetry and stories by new and established writers.
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The Fiddlehead @fiddlehd.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
Our 2026 Ralph Gustafson Prize for Best Poem is now open for submissions! Our judges this year are Farah Ghafoor, Fawn Parker, & Patricia Young! Prize: $2000 + Publication! Deadline: Dec. 1, 2026 Guidelines: thefiddlehead.ca/poetry-contest #poetrycontest #poetry #callforsubmissions #canlit #litmag
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Alastair Morrison @alasmorrison.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
My article, "Psych ward gothic: melodrama, hospitalisation anxiety and a case for the humanities in psychiatric research" is now in print from BMJ Medical Humanities! mh.bmj.com/content/52/3...
mh.bmj.com
Psych ward gothic: melodrama, hospitalisation anxiety and a case for the humanities in psychiatric research
This article offers a critical assessment of representations of psychiatric hospitalisation in modern Western societies, with the goal of informing clinicians’ approach to communication and reassuranc...
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Reposted by Alastair Morrison
Tolu Oloruntoba @tolu.ca · 06/10/2026
At the Toronto International Festival of Authors on October 29, series editor Anita Lahey and I will be presenting BEST CANADIAN POETRY 2027, and selected readings from some of the featured poets. If you're in town and can attend, please join us at Victoria College Chapel at 6:30 PM.
Graphic with the following text against a background showing the side profile of a smiling audience: Oct 28 - Nov 1, 2026 Toronto International Festival of AuthorsBook cover featuring the following text: Best Canadian Poetry 2027 Selected by Tolu Oloruntoba
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phillip crymble @phillipcrymble.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
Stanley Plumly
OCTOBER TREE

IT stands yellow
in front of the house,
probably ten feet higher,
maple, I think—the full leaf 
wide as an open hand. 
It is the only yellow
on the block, and so thick with itself 
rain may not finally
reach its inward body,
nor wind lie down inside.

The upstairs windows
cut it into sections,
some yellower than others,
some burning off
into a flat flame.
But like the movement
in all still things
it is alive beyond such changes,
and even in darkness
has presence, window
by window.

STANLEY PLUMLY
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Andrew Longhurst 🇨🇦 🍉 @alonghurst.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
The Ontario government is aggressively privatizing surgeries and medical imaging—core hospital services My new @policyalternatives.ca research study evaluates whether this policy direction reduces wait times and serves the public interest www.policyalternatives.ca/news-researc... #onpoli
policyalternatives.ca
Not adding up: Surgical and diagnostic privatization in Ontario | CCPA
The Ontario government favours for-profit delivery of surgeries and medical imaging, but the evidence shows this isn't good health policy
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Alastair Morrison @alasmorrison.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
My first ever chapbook of poems, “Frozen River,” is out now. Truly grateful to the marvelous people at Anstruther Press, and to everyone who’s read these little songs. Order a copy and we’ll be friends forever! Shares most welcome! www.anstrutherpress.com/new-products...
anstrutherpress.com
Frozen River by Alastair Morrison — Anstruther Press
Chapbook In Stock ISBN - 978-1-998774-90-6 Please allow 2 weeks for shipping
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rob mclennan @robmclennan.bsky.social · 20/09/2026
Six Questions interview (via @chaudierebooks.bsky.social) #240 : Nadia Bozak / @ecwpress.bsky.social ; chaudierebooks.blogspot.com/2026/09/six-...
chaudierebooks.blogspot.com
Six Questions interview #240 : Nadia Bozak
Nadia Bozak lives in Ottawa and teaches at Carleton University. Her latest novel, Fret , has recently been published by ECW. Q: How long ...
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Ian LeTourneau @ianletourneau.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
My wife’s chapbook got a great review!
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Susan L. Leary @susanlleary.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
✨COVER REVEAL✨ for my new chap, SENTENCE, out with Nine Syllables Press on December 1st! If you love my brother poems, you will love these as well! PRE-ORDER at the link: www.ninesyllablespress.com/shop/p/sente... And learn more in the replies! Graphics: 9SP IG
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Alastair Morrison @alasmorrison.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
Thank you Jessica!
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phillip crymble @phillipcrymble.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
Looking forward to hosting this virtual launch tomorrow. Don't forget to register. Hope to see you then!
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Alastair Morrison @alasmorrison.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
Thank you Sarah!
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Alastair Morrison @alasmorrison.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
Thank you Julian! Much appreciated!
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Alastair Morrison @alasmorrison.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
Thanks Eric!
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Alastair Morrison @alasmorrison.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
Thank you so much!
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Alastair Morrison @alasmorrison.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
Voila. Thanks for asking! www.anstrutherpress.com/new-products...
anstrutherpress.com
Frozen River by Alastair Morrison — Anstruther Press
Chapbook In Stock ISBN - 978-1-998774-90-6 Please allow 2 weeks for shipping
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Alastair Morrison @alasmorrison.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
My first ever chapbook of poems, “Frozen River,” is out now. Truly grateful to the marvelous people at Anstruther Press, and to everyone who’s read these little songs. Order a copy and we’ll be friends forever! Shares most welcome! www.anstrutherpress.com/new-products...
anstrutherpress.com
Frozen River by Alastair Morrison — Anstruther Press
Chapbook In Stock ISBN - 978-1-998774-90-6 Please allow 2 weeks for shipping
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Alastair Morrison @alasmorrison.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
Thank you!
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Alastair Morrison @alasmorrison.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
Thanks David!
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Alastair Morrison @alasmorrison.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
Shortly!
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John Hay @johnhay.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
Thrilled to see my essay on Captain Ahab’s Evil Brother up at The Paris Review: www.theparisreview.org/blog/2026/09...
theparisreview.org
On “Derek,” Captain Ahab’s Evil Half Brother by John Hay
September 21, 2026 – “Your worst enemy ain’t Moby Dick, it’s your half brother, Derek.”
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Alastair Morrison @alasmorrison.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
Thank you!
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Alastair Morrison @alasmorrison.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
Thank you!
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Alastair Morrison @alasmorrison.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
A poet I admire greatly has a first chapbook coming out and I couldn't be more excited about it. Obviously it's me.
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Matthew L Reznicek @drreznicek.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
Visiting fellowship for PhD students in medical humanities at Upsala www.uu.se/en/centre/me...
uu.se
Call for applications: Visiting PhD-student position in Medical Humanities, Uppsala University, spring semester 2027 – Centre for Medical Humanities (CMH) – Uppsala University
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phillip crymble @phillipcrymble.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
Donald Hall, born on this day in 1928
Where the poet stops, the poem
begins. The poem asks only
that the poet get out of the way.
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Justin Aoba @justinaoba.bsky.social · 20/09/2026
Hello if you send your poetry to @identitytheory.bsky.social today I will sit here with my Diet Dr. Pepper and give you a reply today 🤲
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Scottish Poetry Library @byleaveswelive.bsky.social · 10/06/2026
It's 'Gies a Scots Poem Day 2026', in partnership @handsupfortrad.bsky.social @royalscottishacad.bsky.social We've commissioned 10 poets to respond to MacDiarmid’s 'A Drunk Man Looks at the Thistle' for the poem's 100th birthday! www.scottishpoetrylibrary.org.uk/gies-a-scots... #Giesascotspoemsday
scottishpoetrylibrary.org.uk
Gies a Scots Poem Day 2026
This year’s Gies a Scots Poem Day is something special. 2026 marks the centenary of Hugh MacDiarmid’s A Drunk Man Looks at the Thistle — a foundational work for contemporary poetry in Scots, and a poe...
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Meghan O'Rourke @meghanor.bsky.social · 18/08/2026
One and only cover girl moment in my life. Thanks @publisherswkly.bsky.social for this lovely review of THE STORY OF THE BODY, an anthology I edited gathering my favorite of poems of illness and resilience.
Cover image of Publishers Weekly featuring photo of Meghan ORourke and text saying the bestseller gathers poems about strength and sickness in The Story of the BodyStarred Review from Publishers Weekly calling the Story of the Body “excellent”
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Özge Lena @lenaozge.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
My septet poem from the inaugural issue of Pressed Flower Review. #poetry #poetrysky Coming soon! 🩷
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KT Herr @ktherr.bsky.social · 15/02/2026
Last fall, I taught a class for Inprint Houston. For one exercise, I used 3Elements Review's three-word prompt, & ended up with a poem of my own. I think it's healthy to practice sending really fresh work out into the world, even when it feels vulnerable & raw. www.3elementsreview.com
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Jared Beloff @readinstead.bsky.social · 25/11/2025
I am so excited to share this poem and join the many many other Icarus poets. Here is my speculative ekphrastic "Flooded Landscape with the Fall of Icarus" which imagines Breughel's landscape altered by climate change. Thank you @terrainorg.bsky.social! www.terrain.org/2025/poetry/...
terrain.org
One Poem by Jared Beloff - Terrain.org
New from Jared Beloff: "Flooded Landscape with the Fall of Icarus," a gorgeous, haunting poem.
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Fahmidan Group @fahmidangroup.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
Literature thrives through diverse perspectives. Fahmidan Journal is excited to read your work. Submit now: fahmidanjournal.submittable.com/submit%E2%81...
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phillip crymble @phillipcrymble.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
Two weeks from tonight! Really looking forward to this Poetry Weekend event featuring the fabulous Kirby.
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phillip crymble @phillipcrymble.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
So much joy in this wordplay masterclass by Thomas Lux
A SMALL TIN PARROT PIN

Next to the tiny bladeless windmill
of a saltshaker
on the black tablecloth
is my small tin parrot pin
bought from a bin,
75¢, cheap, but not pure tin--an alloy,
some plastic toy tin?
The actual pin, the pin that pins the pin,
will fall off soon,
and thus the parrot,
if I wear it, which I will,
on my lapel. I'll look down 
and it'll be gone.
Let it be found by a child,
or someone sad, eyes
on the sidewalk, or what a prize 
it would be for a packrat's nest.
My parrot's paint
is vivid: his head's red, bright yellow of breast
and belly, a stripe of green,
then purple, a soft
creamy purple, then bright--you know
the color--parrot-green
wing feathers. Tomorrow I think
I'll wear it on my blue shirt.
Tonight, someone whom I love
sleeps in the next room,
the room next to the room with the black tablecloth,
the saltshaker, the parrot pin.
She was very sleepy
and less impressed than I
with my parrot
with whom, with which
I am very pleased.

                  -- Thomas Lux
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chris johnson @ceeeejohnson.bsky.social · 13/09/2026
have I mentioned here that I will be launching my latest poetry chapbook IN ONE WEEK!? next Sunday, September 20, I'm gonna be in a little forested area near my apartment from 3-4pm reading from my chapbook (not the whole time), and if yer in Ottawa you can come too! www.facebook.com/events/23470...
a pile of the chapbook (small poetry pamphlets) "After" by Chris Johnson, published by Paper Bill Press.
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Ellen Chang-Richardson @ehjchang.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
I’ll be hosting this chapbook launch and I am stoked about it. Come out Ottawa!
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Boris Dralyuk @bdralyuk.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
Come one, come all!
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The Fiddlehead @fiddlehd.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
Our friends at Room Magazine are currently fundraising in order to keep the magazine going. The fund will support the production of the journal and pay contributors and staff. You can donate, or purchase or bid on fantastic auction items here: app.galabid.com/save-room-ma...
Graphic for the save Room magazine fundraiser. The graphic reads, keep Canada's oldest feminist literary magazine alive. Bid on these and more. The graphic also shows the items available for bidding: art and stickers, headshot sessions, tattoo tickets, workshops and consultations, spa vouchers, festival passes, and books and magazines.
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Alastair Morrison @alasmorrison.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
My article, "Psych ward gothic: melodrama, hospitalisation anxiety and a case for the humanities in psychiatric research" is now in print from BMJ Medical Humanities! mh.bmj.com/content/52/3...
mh.bmj.com
Psych ward gothic: melodrama, hospitalisation anxiety and a case for the humanities in psychiatric research
This article offers a critical assessment of representations of psychiatric hospitalisation in modern Western societies, with the goal of informing clinicians’ approach to communication and reassuranc...
041
Alastair Morrison @alasmorrison.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
The epigraph works too: "if I thought I was talking to anyone who could go back to the real world, I wouldn't tell you anything, but since I know no one ever does that, here is everything about me!"
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phillip crymble @phillipcrymble.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
Andrea Cohen
Alcatraz

How quickly one gets from A to Z, how
swiftly one says everything there
is to see: these bars, for instance,
and the flexible fencing of sharks,
and how impossibly far it is this
life from that.
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phillip crymble @phillipcrymble.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
So proud of our new Disability: The Revolution issue. Really looking forward to hosting this in-person launch event. Hope to see you there!
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The Fiddlehead @fiddlehd.bsky.social · 17/08/2026
Issue 308 (Summer 2026) Disability: The Revolution Special Issue is now on our website! For this special issue, readings of each piece available on the website for you to listen to now! thefiddlehead.ca/issue/308
The cover of Issue 308 which features the artwork "Self-portrait in Bed" by Stephanie Weirathmueller
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Alastair Morrison @alasmorrison.bsky.social · 26/08/2026
From the Fiddlehead's essential new issue on disability, check out my review of Shane Neilson's strange and marvelous book "The Reign." thefiddlehead.ca/content/alas...
thefiddlehead.ca
Alastair Morrison Reviews The Reign by Shane Neilson | The Fiddlehead
Love, Death, Disability, and DeerThe Reign, Shane Neilson. icehouse poetry, 2025.
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