Whispers from Nova Scotia
Stories in Poetry
by Bernard W Manzer

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I must be off to the sea again Where the waves are rolling high, To feel the wind against my cheek As it scatters the spray in the sky. Whispers of Nova Scotia is a collection of Bernard W. Manzer’s verse, capturing his love for his native Nova Scotia as well as his thoughts and feelings about nature, history, and the many lessons of a long life. In this varied collection, meditations on life and death rub shoulders with playful poems about Jack Frost and water drops, as well as poems that ring with praise and gratitude. Written in the 1970s, they remain as relevant today as ever. In calm or storm, what does it matter? As long as I am on the water. When I die, I hope I'll be Riding the briny waves and buried at sea.

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Bernard W. Manzer was born in 1914 in Ashmore, Nova Scotia. His life was devoted to educating others, inspiring countless students to break free from the misconception that poetry was beyond their reach. Bernard believed that creativity could be nurtured and that everyone possessed the potential to craft their own poetry if given encouragement and the right tools. Bernard had a BA from Acadia University and a Dip. in Education. In addition to his work as a teacher, he was a minister early on and skilled at writing sermons. He had a knack for words, no matter the occasion, and, from a young age, never stopped writing. He was also a Mason. He lived in Weymouth North, Digby County, Nova Scotia, a few kilometres from where he was born and raised. His wife was also a teacher and he had two children. One became a teacher; the other married one. The editor, Lawrence (Laurie Manzer), was adopted by Bernard (originally his grandfather). Laurie was inspired by his adoptive father’s love of language and story, and his desire to encourage others to express themselves through writing. Sharing this collection is his way of continuing Bernard’s legacy. He lives in Burton, New Brunswick.

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Contributors

Author

Bernard W Manzer

Compiled by

Lawrence (Laurie) Manzer