Source document: https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/1697722272960.pdf (Canada)
A Celebration of the Arts Poets, dancers, musicians, singers, painters, paupers beg on bleeding knees at the foot of dreams.

The muse watches as the artists push thigh deep through the wingless angels in a winter storms.

In summer rains they part the mist-filled fog cup the tears of creativity.

Paupers living in squalor, church basements, taking refuge in libraries to keep their bodies warm.
Work for pennies to pay rent, buy macaroni, sell their bodies, a few pieces of art, words of poetry they recite to four people.

Paupers unable to pay for prescriptions, dental work, glasses.

Shop at the Sally Ann, line up at the food banks.

There is no bank account, life savings.

No insurance.

Bus pass.

If the paperwork for mingy grants passes the muster of critical eyes and serious competition mouths will be fed.
Darkness is invasive Consumes the heart with drugs, alcohol binges and yet the artists’ muse hangs on walls, dances in theatres, sings on stage, collects on shelves while they feed on the leftovers.

People pass the busker’s guitar, violin, or harmonica.

Making a living on finger bones.

© Louise B. Halfe – Sky Dancer Parliamentary Poet Laureate