Commissions

The Door


This was a commission by two architects who wanted a poem on the frosted glass of their bedroom door. I wrote the poem after a visit to their home, a cup of tea and a conversation. It was designed by one of the architects who is a master of type. In winter light, the sun comes through the letters and the words stretch out on the floor.

The Door

Hart House, University of Toronto


In 2010, I was invited by the Warden of Hart House at University of Toronto to help animate their discussions around the Mission and Vision for the House. Taking as its basis the original Founder’s Prayer, and pointing in the directions of self-reflection, active engagement, and the enormity of what and who is available to you at Hart House, I wrote the poem ‘What’s Inside”. The poem has been used widely in their advertising and promotions. The phrase below I wrote to accompany the mission statement. It has had multiple appearances, including on T-shirts! Here it is:

“Who you are is welcome; who you are becoming is why we’re here.”