These poems find their centre where memories, places, and visions intersect. The narrative records how so many elements collectively press and guide the heart as it strives for understanding and unity, even in those moments when the mystery is unresolvable and unbearable.

John Carroll was born in Buffalo, New York. He immigrated to Canada in 1972. He has received degrees from Wesleyan University, Western Washington University, and The University of British Columbia. He has worked as a house painter, stevedore, busboy, speech writer, stage actor and director, movie extra, composer, free lance writer, and English professor. He is currently chair of the English Department at The University of the Fraser Valley. The Plastic Heart is his second collection.