Meaning: The quote "'A collected poems' is either a gravestone or a testimonial to survival" by Al Purdy, a Canadian poet, encapsulates the complexity and significance of a collection of poetry. It suggests that a collected volume of poems can serve as a lasting monument to a poet's creativity and legacy, akin to a gravestone, or as a testament to the poet's endurance and resilience, akin to a testimonial to survival. This quote highlights the dual nature of poetry collections, which can be seen as both a reflection of mortality and a celebration of perseverance.

Al Purdy, born Arthur Purdy, was a prominent figure in Canadian literature, known for his distinctive and evocative poetry. His work often delved into the Canadian landscape, history, and identity, and he was celebrated for his ability to capture the essence of his surroundings and experiences in his verse. Purdy's own poetry collections have been acclaimed for their depth, insight, and emotional resonance, making his perspective on the nature of collected poems particularly insightful.

When considering the quote, it's important to first recognize the metaphorical significance of a "collected poems." A collection of poetry represents a culmination of a poet's creative output, bringing together individual pieces into a cohesive whole. In this sense, it can be viewed as a literary legacy—a gravestone—that marks the poet's artistic journey and leaves a lasting imprint for future generations. Just as a gravestone memorializes a person's life, a collected volume of poems can serve as a lasting testament to a poet's literary contributions and their impact on the world.

On the other hand, the quote also presents the idea of a collected poems as a "testimonial to survival." This perspective positions a poetry collection as a symbol of endurance and resilience. It suggests that the act of compiling and preserving one's poems into a single volume is an affirmation of the poet's ability to navigate life's challenges and adversities. In this light, a collected poems becomes a testament to the poet's perseverance in the face of personal and creative struggles, offering a narrative of survival and triumph through the power of words.

The duality expressed in the quote reflects the multifaceted nature of poetry itself. Poetry has long been regarded as a means of immortalizing human experiences, emotions, and thoughts, often serving as a form of remembrance and commemoration. At the same time, poetry is also an expression of resilience and a source of strength, allowing poets to confront and transcend adversity through their art.

In the context of Al Purdy's own body of work, this quote takes on added resonance. Purdy's poems often grapple with themes of mortality, memory, and the passage of time, making the idea of a collected poems as a "gravestone" particularly poignant. His poetry reflects a deep engagement with the Canadian landscape and culture, capturing the essence of the country's history and spirit. In this sense, his collected works stand as a testament to his enduring influence on Canadian literature and his ability to capture the essence of his surroundings and experiences in his verse.

Ultimately, Al Purdy's quote encapsulates the profound significance of a collected poems, portraying it as a dual symbol of both remembrance and resilience. Whether seen as a gravestone or a testimonial to survival, a collection of poetry embodies the enduring legacy of a poet's creativity and the indomitable spirit of human expression.