Every year on March 21, the world celebrates World Poetry Day—a global recognition of poetry as one of humanity’s most powerful forms of expression.
But poetry isn’t just something found in books or classrooms. It lives in everyday moments—in conversations, memories, languages, and emotions. In a diverse and creative community like Burnaby, poetry can be a meaningful way to connect, express, and belong.
What Is World Poetry Day?
World Poetry Day was established by UNESCO in 1999 to:
- Celebrate poetry as a cultural and linguistic art form
- Support linguistic diversity, including endangered languages
- Encourage reading, writing, and sharing poetry
- Bring communities together through creative expression
Poetry exists in every culture and across every generation. It transforms simple words into something powerful—something that can inspire dialogue, empathy, and even peace. (Source: UNESCO)
Why Poetry Matters for Literacy
Poetry is a playful and powerful way to build literacy skills.
It helps people:
- Explore language in creative ways
- Build vocabulary and confidence
- Express thoughts and emotions
- Connect with culture and identity
- Develop listening and storytelling skills
Unlike formal writing, poetry has no strict rules—it invites experimentation, imagination, and personal voice.
For children and adults alike, poetry can feel like opening a window and letting fresh air into language.
Poetry in Everyday Life
You don’t need to be a poet to enjoy poetry. In fact, some of the best poetry happens in everyday life:
- Writing a short poem about your day
- Creating rhymes with children
- Sharing songs, spoken word, or cultural stories
- Writing in your home language
- Reflecting on emotions through words
In multicultural communities like Burnaby, poetry is also a way to celebrate language diversity—a key part of identity and belonging.
Local Ways to Explore Poetry in Burnaby
Burnaby offers many opportunities to explore poetry and creative expression:
Burnaby Public Library
- Poetry books for all ages
- Writing workshops and community programs
- Open mic and storytelling events (seasonal)
Burnaby Neighbourhood House
- Community programs and cultural events
- Opportunities to share stories and creative expression
Community & Cultural Events
- Spoken word nights
- Multilingual storytelling
- Cultural celebrations that include poetry and oral traditions
Simple Ways to Celebrate Poetry
Try these low-pressure, creative ideas:
- Write a 3-line poem about your day
- Read a poem aloud with your family
- Create a “word jar” and build poems together
- Translate a poem into another language
- Attend a local library event or workshop
Poetry doesn’t need to be perfect—it just needs to be yours.
World Poetry Day reminds us that language is more than communication—its expression, identity, and connection.
By reading, writing, and sharing poetry, we build stronger literacy skills and more connected communities.
In Burnaby, every voice matters—and poetry is one of the simplest ways to be heard.
