Magellan’s Clouds: Poems 1971-1986

As its subtitle states, Magellan’s Clouds collects Allen’s poetry from the fifteen-year period between 1971 and 1986. In these poems, Allen takes turns playing the philosopher, the romantic, the teller of tales. His poems are marked by their humour amidst the serious work of crafting poetry. All in all, the pages of Magellan’s Clouds are commendable for their clarity and the poet’s attentive ear.