Poetry in Transit 2020

If you've followed this blog for a good long time (two thoughts: "Wow," and also, "Who else would still be following a blog?") you'll know that I have a deep and abiding love for the Poetry in Transit program. Who couldn't? A free poem! On the bus! Where there's usually an add for cheque cashing or energy drinks. 

So it was an honour to be able to introduce this year's selections in a little essay. Think of it as the editor's introduction that opens an anthology or an issue of a lit mag, with the selected poems as the book's content:

Poetry in Transit Program Takes on New Meaning in 2020

My introduction features the poems, and also cameos by wise seagulls, Russian winds, and the *expletive* wasp that stung my toddler on the eyelid this summer... 

Poetry in Transit 2020 will officially launch next Friday at 1 PM as part of Word Vancouver (hosted by Evelyn Lau!). The free online event will feature readings by Susan Buis, Dominique Bernier-Cormier, Francine Cunningham,

Ruth Daniell

, Adrienne Drobnies, Cornelia Hoogland, Kyla Jamieson, Fiona Tinwei Lam, John Pass and Russell Thornton. You can learn more about the event, and register for it, here.

And the next time you're on transit (in BC), keep an eye out for the poems!

p.s. On the subject of Word Vancouver, I'll be hosting the event "The Poetics of Place" on Saturday, September 26th at 1 PM. It will feature three poets who write about Vancouver: Alex Leslie, Betsy Warland and Trevor Carolan. Learn more and register (it's free and online) here.