This quote by American poet and essayist Rita Dove provides a clue into the minds of those who write and read poetry.
Good poetry takes the rigid structure and rules of language out of the equation, and transforms words into a personal and often communal experience of nuance, absurdity, and emotion.
In these tumultuous times, reading poetry can be a way to break free of the oppression of the pandemic and, whether you write poetry or not, a way to express feelings and emotions that may be looking for an outlet.
In celebration of the power of poetry, we here at Airdrie Public Library (APL), are excited to announce the launch our third annual poetry contest – Poetry in Motion. Held in partnership with the City of Airdrie's Community Development department, this year's contest runs from June 1 to 30.
There are two categories – an open category and a youth category for poets aged 13 to 17 years old.
The winner in each category will receive an iPad, and – here’s the “in Motion” part – selected poems will be displayed on Airdrie Transit's ICE buses in the fall, in celebration of Alberta Culture Days.
This year’s judge will be award-winning Calgary poet Joan Schillington, whose work has been published in Grain Magazine, The Fiddlehead, FreeFall, Room, CV2, The Antigonish Review and numerous anthologies.
Schillington has worked as the poetry editor for FreeFall magazine. She was also the guest poet at the Calgary Central Public Library's grand opening in 2018.
Register for Poetry in Motion online at the APL website between June 1 and June 30, and attach up to three poems as a PDF file, with each no longer than 11 lines (including the title). Contestants must hold a valid Airdrie Public Library card.
Poems will be judged blind, and the winners will be announced on Sept. 1.
Please go to airdriepubliclibrary.ca for entry forms and the complete contest rules.
