Book description
Naturalist, ornithologist, avocational archaeologist and poet,
Winnipegs Dr. Robert W. Nero has authored nine books dealing with his
amazing spectrum of interests. Growing Old Together is the newest
collection of poetry by this gifted writer, revealing his sensitivity
and keen observation of the natural world.
In his frequently passionate poetry Nero pays tribute to his wife,
Ruth, who has, over many years, encouraged Bob to write and to pursue
his outdoor interests -- all the while sharing him with "Lady
Grayl," the great gray owl he found injured and starving in 1984.
From that time on, Lady Grayl toured with Bob Nero to raise funds for
numerous environmental projects and to educate thousands of children
and adults about conservation. This remarkable association ended in
October of 2005 with the passing of Lady Grayl at age 21. 5. It is
fitting that Manitoba Day 2005 honoured the Great Gray Owl, the
official provincial bird -- and, yes, Lady Grayl was involved.
Some responses to Robert W. Nero's poetry:
"...what sensitive writing..."
- Margaret Wilson, Pickering Naturalists
"Loved it! It engendered some poignant musings, indeed."
- Bob Carmichael, Manitoba wildlife specialist
A well-known scientist and educator with numerous natural history
publications to his credit, Robert W. Nero has attracted attention in
recent years through published collections of his poetry. Woman By
the Shore (1990), The Mulch Pile (1993) and Spring
Again (1997) firmly established Bob Nero's standing in the field
of poetry. Several creditable poems also appeared in a well-received
book about his travels with a tame Great Gray Owl: Lady Grayl: Owl
With a Mission (1994). Even a recent account of his
archaeological exploits, The Site: A Personal Odyssey (2001),
contains some appropriate poetry. His most recent poetry collection is
Growing Old Together (2005); as with all of the aforementioned books,
it was published by Natural Heritage Books.
Robert Nero and his wife, Ruth, live in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
