“March 21 was proclaimed World Poetry Day at the 30th session of the General Conference of UNESCO in Paris in 1999.”
You may find it strange, or exciting, to have your concerns and aspirations as a poet cast in the UN-ease of that proclamation. Here are some other World Poetry Day links.It’s no accident that World Poetry Day is celebrated on the same day as the day for the elimination of racial discrimination. What do you make of the UNESCO proclamation and the direction(s) of poetry since 1999? In Canada? Around the world?
What do you propose for the future? Tell us, if you like, what you dared to do this World Poetry Day?
Found ‘spoken’ poems. Consider that poetry is happening even when not intended. Found ‘text’ poems, from how-to manuals etc., show up reworked in many poetry collections. But what about found ‘spoken’ poems? The tendency is to pay more attention to our own craft and desire to express than to receiving the poetry around us, and when we do hear it on the bus, at grandpa’s cabin, or even at the mall, we’re often inclined to steal the words, or gesture, for own reworkings. Ever just want to give credit to the stranger you overheard at the park?
The deadline for proposals for Arc’s Forgotten and Neglected has now passed. But you can weigh in on the fray here. If you’re looking for reminders, check out the Poets of the Past route under Literary Directories.
Of course, notoriety takes many forms. In the How Poems Work issue of August 2006, Zachariah Wells makes the case (based on the atrocious poem “Ode to a Mammoth Cheese”) for adding James MacIntyre to our pantheon.
The venue space and vibe can top off the reading experience and make it truly memorable, for poet and audience alike. Tell us about your favourite places for occasional readings or reading series.
Not every bookstore has made it online. Tell us about your favourites. New or used. Big or small. Near or far. Why do you go there? What have you found? Is there a clerk who knows all?
Did you find what you were looking for? Any eye-openers? What are your thoughts? Have you checked out the forums? Any general comments you’d like to make about the Portage map in progress? Please sign our guestbook.
(If you want to suggest new routes, or recommend sites, or advise of corrections, contact Portage directly.)
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