Morton was born in Toronto, Ontario, but grew up in Calgary, Alberta and has worked as a teacher and editor.
More recently, his poetry has explored aspects of world history.
His book of poetry The Merzbook was inspired by the life and work of Kurt Schwitters, and was the basis for a dramatic production, The Cabbage of Paradise.
The sound-poem, Primiti Too Taa, based on Schwitters' Ursonate (Sonata in primitive sounds), was made into an animated short film by Ed Ackerman, featuring Morton's voice and a stop-motion animation of moving letters, made using a typewriter.
His book The Hundred Cuts: Sitting Bull and the Major is a poetic documentary about the exile in Canada of Lakota chief Sitting Bull, and his relationship with Major James Walsh of the NWMP.