Nanaimo’s poet laureate Naomi Beth Wakan wants to encourage Nanaimo youths to find their poetic voice.
She’s created a high school poetry competition, in partnership with the city’s Culture and Heritage Department, to encourage young writers to try writing poetry.
The contest is open to Grades 10-12, whether enrolled in a secondary school or home schooling.
“I did want them to know what it is like to feel like a poet and write … just what it means to be a person devoted to the creative life,” said Wakan.
She recently visited Dover Bay Secondary School and Woodlands Secondary School to discuss poetry with students.
She discussed people being passionate and excited about something, putting energy into it, whether it’s skateboarding, swimming or writing.
“They are nervous. They haven’t got their voices yet. Sometimes it takes a long time to find their voice,” she said.
Recently Wakan was a judge for a poetry contest run by the League of Canadian Poetry. It allowed her to become familiar with youth poetry.
“It’s rather full of angst, I must say,” said Wakan.
Poems must deal with a Nanaimo theme, whether it’s hanging out at the mall or downtown or playing sports on Nanaimo fields.
Three winners will be chosen and awarded cash prizes. First prize is $150, second is $100 and third place wins $50. The three winners will also be invited to read their poems during poetry month in April to the mayor and council.
The deadline for submissions is Feb. 29 and winners will be notified in March.
Contest guidelines are available at www.nanaimo.ca, under the culture and heritage tab, or by e-mailing chris.barfoot@nanaimo.ca.
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