INSTRUCTIONS FOR SPROUTING A POET IN WINNIPEG

It’s non-arable land so go hydroponic

once you sprout, lay low

don’t make eye contact with teachers or ministers

Shower three times a day

don’t pray. There’s no god in Winnipeg

there is an understaffed drop-in centre

Use fine-tip pens

red ink is more than fine

only write on receipts and parking tickets

Pitch a tent. Stay a while

but don’t get comfortable

when they find out, lay low in Selkirk

When they forget, come back

or don’t. But always remember:

they will forget you