Rhyme for a Good Time! It’s Poetry Month in Mississauga

Love a good haiku or sonnet? This April, the City of Mississauga is celebrating Poetry Month by hosting a range of activities that will get everyone excited about poetry and the written and spoken word. Poetry Month is your opportunity to learn more about the power of poetry, hear from Canadian poets and recognize the talent and creativity within our city. It’s also your chance to try something new, sharpen your own poetry skills and connect with others who share your passion.

Poetry Month Activities:

Have your poetry featured online

Calling all poets! From April 1 to 30, submit your original poem for a chance to win a $50 or $100 gift card and have your poem posted on mississauga.ca. The City’s Poet Laureates and library staff will review submissions based on the following criteria: uniqueness, creativity, attention to detail and overall impact.

Poems can be submitted to library.programs@mississauga.ca and will be accepted until Saturday, April 30. Make sure to check the submission details and contest rules before submitting. May the best poem win!

Drop some slamming poetry lines

Are you a poet but don’t know it? You’re invited to Mississauga’s third annual Poetry Slam on Thursday, April 28 at 6 p.m. This is an online event.

Mississauga-based poets and spoken word artists ages 14 to 24 are invited to perform at the event. Prizes will be awarded to the top three poets. Submissions must include original content only.

To apply, click here. Submissions close Friday, April 15, 2022, at 9 p.m.

To register to watch the event, click here.

Hear from some of our poetry favourites

This month, the Author Talks series will feature two Canadian poets:

• Anna Yin: Wednesday, April 6 at 7 p.m.
  Tune in to hear from Anna Yin, Mississauga’s inaugural poet laureate (2015) and author of five poetry collections, including her latest work Mirrors and Windows: East-West Poems with Translations. Register online.
• Jasmin Kaur: Wednesday, April 13 at 7 p.m.
  Don’t miss Jasmin Kaur – writer, illustrator, teacher and spoken-word artist. Her writing explores feminism, social justice, survival and love, captivating audiences across the globe. Register online.

Share your poetry passion with others

Hear from Mississauga Poet Laureates Qurat Dar and Ayomide Bayowa and learn more about their craft at upcoming events where they will be special guests:

• Online Poetry Writing Workshop – Ages 13 and up
  Thursday, April 7 at 6 p.m.
  Participate in a guided workshop on the process of writing poems and short works, and learn strategies and tools for advancing your work.
• Online Teen Poetry Writing Club – Ages 13 to 19
  Wednesday, April 13 and April 20 at 4 p.m.
  Join the online Teen Poetry Writing Club and meet other teen writers! Express your creativity, share your work and try some writing prompts and activities.

• Online English Conversation Circle – Ages 13 and up
  Thursday, April 21 at 7 p.m.
  Practise speaking English in a fun and relaxed environment. Meet new friends in the community. This month’s session will feature Ayomide Bayowa, Mississauga’s Poet Laureate.

• Online Poetry Club – Ages 13 and up
  Wednesday, April 27 at 6 p.m.
  Connect with other poetry lovers, spend time practising your poetry skills and participate in a guided discussion of a poet’s work. Poems are made available through the program.

For more information about Poetry Month in Mississauga, visit mississauga.ca/poetry-month

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• Arts and Culture
• Libraries