The Most Famous Canadian Poet

Being a famous artist in Canada is like being a civil servant. You are subsidized by the government through grants and other perks such as being asked to participate on committees, give speeches in front of important buildings, and generally to be available if the call for culture comes up. The private sector treats you like cement. If there is an article written in a magazine about anything relating to being Canadian, your opinion will be required. If you are famous enough you may even be asked to contribute a recipe to a woman’s journal. Or for magazines that need their Canadian fix your iconic image may even be displayed on the cover. All of this has nothing to do with what you produce. And your position is for life as long as you can manage to keep your image in the public eye. It’s a thankless job though. As soon as you fall from the podium due to ill health, scandal, or death, a new face will immediately be put in your place. And what has this go to do with anything. Nothing.