Emily Isaacson

Emily Isaacson was born on December 11, 1975, in Windsor, Ontario, and grew up in Victoria, British Columbia. She began writing poetry at the age of ten and was first published at thirteen for her poem 'The Wild Madonna.' Since then, she has written and published 1,800 poems, establishing herself as a poet of distinct Canadian voice and international reach. Her poetry, written in both English and French, has been read in over forty-five countries, drawing more than 2.5 million visitors to her online sites and archives .

Emily Isaacson is recognized for her lyrical depth and classic Canadiana style—poems rooted in the imagery of the northern landscape, the moral fabric of faith, and the enduring human spirit. Her voice often weaves together the disciplines of art, medicine, and theology, offering a reflection of Canada’s spiritual and cultural heritage. In her hands, poetry becomes both sanctuary and dialogue: a way to reconcile the sacred and the humane, to restore what has been fractured and lost, and to celebrate what endures.

In 2005, Isaacson founded The Wild Lily Institute, located in the Fraser Valley of British Columbia. The Institute is devoted to literature, the arts, and natural medicine, preserving both the legacy of her work and her philosophy of holistic healing through creativity. Educated at Bastyr University of Natural Medicine in Seattle, she draws from her knowledge of botany, psychology, and science to write works that explore how nature and grace intertwine in the human condition.

Her three-volume work The Fleur-de-lis, contains over 800 poems that reflect a postmodern yet deeply spiritual sensibility. The symbol of the gilded lily—her emblem of peace, innocence, and martyrdom—runs throughout her work, signifying a poetic devotion to both beauty and discipline. Her poetry volume Hours From a Convent followed, offering an intimate portrait of contemplative life and friendship with the Poor Clare nuns of Mission, British Columbia. The book’s quiet reverence for prayer, simplicity, and enclosure in the monastic life continues to inspire readers of all faiths.

Isaacson’s more recent works, including Storm Watcher, expand her literary scope to themes of national renewal, reconciliation, and the strength of the Canadian spirit. Through reflections on history, faith, and recovery, she writes not only of her own spiritual journey but also of a country learning to heal and stand steadfast in compassion. Her poems speak of the grace that rises from adversity, and the humility that undergirds true strength: the cross-torn lantern bearer guides the weary home.

Today, Emily Isaacson continues to teach creative writing in prisons, speak at literary events, and advocate for the arts as instruments of cultural and emotional restoration. She believes that in a world of division, poetry remains one of the few languages still capable of binding the heart of a people together—reminding us, as Canadians, of the sacred duty to live with faith, empathy, and hope.