Reading a Poem

A set of instructions to be used when reading a poem by Glenn Colquhoun, winner of the Best First Book of Poetry Award in the Montana Book Awards:

1. To begin with, lift the poem carefully out of its paper,
2. Balance the poem in the palm of your hand,
3. Don't be afraid of the poem.
4. Run your fingers around the outside of the poem:
   1. Is it rough or smooth?
   2. Is it heavy or light?
5. Throw the poem up into the air. Does it float?
6. Put the poem in your mouth. Either:
   1. Squeeze a small amount onto your tongue like toothpaste.
   2. Enter the whole poem into your mouth like cake.
7. Remove the first word and the last word from the poem. Shake vigorously-
   each word should fall out of line.
8. Place the words into your mouth and roll them around. Suck. Chew. Gargle.
Hide the words in your cheeks. Spit them at people.
9. When you are finished put the words back where they belong.
10. Whisper the poem quietly to yourself.
11. Yell the poem out loud.
12. Recite the poem on fine days/on rainy days/on calm days/on windy days/on an empty stomach/with your mouth full.
13. Put the poem on blocks and lie underneath it. Tinker with the timing. Pack each word with grease. File off the engine numbers. Repaint the poem.
14. Eat breakfast on the poem. Stain the poem with coffee.
15. Stand on the poem.
16. Water the poem.
17. Mix the poem in with the washing.
18. Carry the poem around in your pocket for a week.
19. Now the poem belongs to you.

GMC

From an explanation of poetry from Glenn Colquhoun to his father;

published by Steele Roberts.