Numen > Special Projects :: Jay > Wrecto Verso
Wrecto Verso by Jay Heins is a series of poems directly inspired by cycling. It began as a daily writing practice of haiku composed during rides—an unforgiving structure that lends itself to being held in the mind as three phrases of five/seven/five syllables, counted by hand. These poems are an ode to the moments, objects, friends, and community witnessed and felt through biking. Beyond just poems, this book is an interplay between photos, taken by Heins and others, and Strava links where one can see the day’s biking route itself. The friendship and community that links these poems to one another is as inherent to the structure of the book as it is to Heins’s life. Wrecto Verso is about gratitude; for quiet roads, for pastries, for friends that make you laugh when current events feel overwhelming, and even for the uphill slog, the heat, the wipe-outs—Heins finds community and presence within them all.
Download a sample of four poems from Wrecto Verso, in PDF.
What People Are Saying
“Perfect gift for your favourite cycling enthusiast. Jay captures the joy of riding in verse and priceless images. This book will keep you dreaming of the upcoming cycling season throughout the long winter.”
— Cindy C on Nov 22, 2021
“It is clear from these beautifully crafted haikus that cycling is more than just a physical pastime for Heins--the mental and emotional side of physical activity play an important role here. The insightful, introspective, random, and sometimes funny, thoughts that can pop into ones mind when exercising are eloquently expressed, through both word and imagery. Beyond such a unique illustration of the sights, smells, tastes, feelings, and thoughts experienced on his rides, Heins also shows how cycling can be both an intensely individual and communal pursuit. It's a pleasure to read, and look, and it will certainly make you want to get on a bike.”
— Chelsea on Nov 16, 2021
about
Born and raised in the valley, Jay Heins has a BFA from University of Ottawa and works as art director/production lead at the OER Project. He finds joy travelling through the world on two wheels and lives in Ottawa with Tanya and Samuel.
