Robert Billings

Robert Billings (1949 – 1986) was a Canadian poet and editor.

For the Victorian era painter and architect, see Robert William Billings.

Biography

Robert Billings was born in Niagara Falls, Ontario and raised in Fort Erie.[1] He held two master's degrees in English from Queen's University and the University of Windsor. Billings became well known in Canadian literary circles as a poet, critic, teacher, and editor of Poetry Canada Review and Poetry Toronto. His poems and reviews of Canadian poetry have appeared widely in Canada, Britain, and the United States.

Suffering from depression after the breakdown of his marriage, Billings committed suicide at Niagara Falls in November 1986.[2] Efforts to find the body were halted once Horseshoe Falls froze over, and the ice melted before his body was recovered six months later in June.[3]

Literary activities

During the 1980s Robert Billings was editor for literary magazines such as Quarry, Poetry Windsor, Poesie, Poetry Canada Review and Waves. He was also very active as a poet.

Published works
  • blue negatives Fiddlehead Poetry Books #212 Fred Cogswell ISBN 0-920110-20-7
  • The Elizabeth Trinities Penumbra Press, 1980
  • The Revels, Porcupine's Quil Inc., 1987

References
  1. "Epiphanies on the First Cold Day by Robert Billings". Niagara Falls Poetry Project. 27 August 2021. Retrieved 9 June 2022.
  2. Bonfatti, John F. (8 November 1987). "'Hot Line' Phones Installed at the Brink : Niagara Falls Lures the Suicidal, Keeps Police Officers on Their Toes". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 9 June 2022.
  3. Law, John (17 November 2020). "Suicide documentary a personal journey for Niagara writer Michael Clarkson". niagarafallsreview.com.
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