How many ways has the fine city of Victoria fed me in the few days I’ve been here? In nearly all the ways possible, I think. Nearly.

I can’t think of a better first welcome to the west coast than the honour of featuring at Victoria’s Tongues of Fire poetry and spoken word series last night. The slams back home are always an energizing event, and I have much love for my fellow poets and audience regulars at the show I consider my home. But a solid 50 scarved and sweatered souls packed in to a long tall and bright cafe on a cold night, hungry for and attentive to poetry (it might be the herbal tea replacing the normal pints of beer) was rewarding in a way few gigs have been. Nothing fills the belly quite like an intelligent and energetic audience. Thank you, Victoria poets and poetry lovers. I was honoured to have been a part of last night. I leave town tomorrow with fewer chapbooks, but greater inspiration.

I sincerely hope it won’t be too long before I find my way back here. If nothing else, there’s certainly the Canadian Festival of Spoken Word next year. Chilling these last couple with my wonderful hosts Steve and Janice, and getting some inside dope on the festival plans already taking form, there’s every reason to believe it will be as much a feast as a fest.

Next, Vancouver - and the Van Slam on Monday. There are worse ways to see the world, let me tell you.