January 25, 2007

I'm scared.

On my way through the Canadian Oxford Dictionary whilst searching for the exact definition of “eaves”, I note that in the entry under “Cummings”, Burton gets precedent over Edward Estlin (e.e.), which is very oh canada. And then I start to think about the Burton Cummings poetry I could recite in near-entirety (ie These Eyes, Share the Land, I’m Scared and Stand Tall etc.) vs what I know by e.e. (ie none) and I feel very very subeducated.

Upon investigation, I discover that Burton’s precedent is thanks to alphabetical order, and that biographical entries in the COD are not actually in order of greatness. Though perhaps the alphabet could be considered an order of greatness. I still like that Burton gets top billing though. And I wonder if he appears in any ODs outside of the C?