Calum Robertson, sometimes known as syf sloane, (fae/faer/faerself) is a full-time tea-drinker, part-time forest cryptid from Mohkinstsis/Calgary, Treaty 7, Alberta, Canada, Turtle Island. The 2022 winner of the Barbara Schneider Writing Award in Communications, faer work focuses on sound studies, nature, queer identities, and Outsider art. Fae have written nonfiction articles for publications as diverse as university campus newspapers (the Gauntlet), the Christian Courier (community newspaper) and filling Station (experimental literature). Faer poetry and prose has appeared in numerous magazines both online and in print, including Canthius, nod, deathcap, the anti-Langurous Project, Lida Literary, Bourgeon, peculiar, Red Coyote, and Tofu Ink. Fae'd like to be reincarnated as a grouse, next time around. You can find faer on Instagram as @sheepiemcgoaters, where fae typically post cups of tea half-drunk and books mostly read.

Calum James Robertson

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harken back to the otter's path

close to village grown small
with the ira taking up residency
in the hotel where granny stole spoons
kgb windows and mi5 transmitters

geese wander the munitions factory
empty. war ended and everyone went home
the soil holds radiation glow
and the water is always clear

i hike the spine of a farmer's field
whiskey sweating against my thigh
i see bloodline faces in the tall grass
stain dyke wall collapses against my soft touch