Free Poetry Workshops

Did you know that April is National Poetry Month?

Established in Canada in 1998, National Poetry Month strives to increase awareness and appreciation of poetry and the important role it plays in our culture.

Poetry is celebrated in Wood Buffalo through the annual Words in Motion program. Residents of all ages- whether they are a student, a professional writer, or a novice wordsmith- are encouraged to submit their poetry. You can learn more about Words in Motion at www.rmwb.ca/wordsinmotion 

The deadline to submit your poetry is February 3, 2017. Once the program closes, an external panel of judges will select the poems to be displayed in Wood Buffalo Transit buses and on the Municipal website. Authors of the selected poems will be invited to participate in a celebration event at the Wood Buffalo Regional Library in April.

To help get your creative juices flowing, Dr. Ryan Cox of Keyano College will be facilitating two poetry workshops on January 10th (for adults) and January 18th (for ages 13-18) at the Wood Buffalo Regional Library. Attendance is free of charge! Be sure to register your spot here.

Happy Writing!

Let your creativity shine - submit your poems to Words in Motion!

Are you a writer or a poet? Do you like to write clever rhymes or song lyrics?

If so, you should submit your work to this year’s Words in Motion!

Words in Motion is a literacy program that promotes an appreciation for the art of poetry. Poetry can take many forms- whether it be dramatic, lyrical or narrative- so don't limit your creativity! Poems written in any form or language (with an English translation) will be accepted.  

A panel of judges will review the poems and select which ones will be displayed on Wood Buffalo Transit buses and shelters as well as on the RWMB website. 

You have until February 3, 2017 to participate. 

To read last year's selected poetry and to learn more about the program, please visit www.rmwb.ca/wordsinmotion

Volunteers Needed for Words in Motion

Interested in Participating on the Words in Motion Judging Panel?

Words in Motion is a literacy program that promotes an appreciation for the art of poetry. It is open to everyone living in the Wood Buffalo region. We are looking for judges for the 2016 Words in Motion program. This is a volunteer position and will require you to commit to the following:

• Reading each of the submitted poems (there is usually between 100 and 200 submissions) and scoring each poem based on a set of criteria.

• Attending an evening meeting with other judges to discuss the poems’ scores in February 2016.

If you have a love of poetry and literature, and you are interested in being part of the poetry selection process, then please e-mail wordsinmotion@rmwb.ca with your name, area of expertise and a short description of why you would like to be a judge.

Words in Motion 2015- Submissions Now Being Accepted!

Submissions for the 2015 Words in Motion are now being accepted! 

Whether you are a student, a professional writer, or a novice wordsmith, you are encouraged to submit your poetry!

Words in Motion is a literacy program that promotes an appreciation for the art of poetry. It is open to everyone living in the Wood Buffalo Region. 

Anyone can submit a maximum of 3 poems in any style or language (an English translation must be included). The selected poems will be displayed on Wood Buffalo Transit buses, the Municipal website, and various media outlets throughout our region. The authors of the selected poems will be invited to participate in the launch event at the Fort McMurray Public Library in April to celebrate National Poetry Month.

Please visit www.woodbuffalo.ab.ca/wordsinmotion for more information about the program and its guidelines. 

Please submit all poetry to Jessica.Barry@woodbuffalo.ab.ca

Words in Motion 2014- Feature Poem of the Day for National Poetry Month

As I Stare Into the Fire…

As I stare into the fire I see the dancing, roaring flames of spirits.
If one looks closely you can see them.
Spirits of many kinds that dance their way to the heavens.
They twirl around others like two friends giving a pinky swear.
Perhaps they once knew each other before they departed.
Then as they reach the top of the fire they split and vanish.
It’s like they never existed like those who were born centuries ago and are forgotten souls.
My heart sinks slowly as their warmth fades.
But you can see something different; you see sparks that float into the sky.
Don’t become discouraged once they disappear.
They are merely taking their places in the sky becoming constellations.
Fitting themselves into the pattern of the beautiful dark horizon.
It’s a sight never to be forgotten.

Kaeli Mask
Grade 9, Bill Woodward School
Anzac

Words in Motion 2014- Feature Poem of the Day for National Poetry Month

He Heard the Call

At one o’clock
I heard the call
On the line was my son Paul
He said “Ma, I’ve got to go.”
Inside my heart was screaming no!

*He heard the call
To stand a fight
For what he thought was right
So the rest of us could live free
A soldier’s what he had to be*

 At four o’clock
Alarms rang out
 “Put on your gear” the captain shouts
He said “Come, we’ve got to go.”
Inside his heart was screaming no!

*Refrain

At eight o’clock
He heard no sound
My son Paul was on the ground
The captain said, we’ve got to go.”
Inside his heart was screaming no!

*Refrain

At twelve o’clock
I heard the call
I picked it up and let it fall
I said “Paul why did you have to go.”
Inside my heart was screaming no!

*Refrain
A soldier’s what he had to be

                          Karla Power

Words in Motion 2014- Feature Poem of the Day for National Poetry Month

The Winter list


The Government has a list (if you wish) of stuff to pack in the back of your cars;
like water in bottles and blankets, and food that won’t spoil such as energy bars.
With extra clothing, and shoes or boots, and a first aid kit with a seatbelt cutter,
Do not forget the scraper and snowbrush, and a shovel alongside the normal clutter.

And don’t forget some candles, in a deep empty can with plenty of matches;
plus a wind-up flashlight with a whistle, and a road map with one of those clips that attaches
to a copy of your emergency plan, next to the sand/salt/cat litter, (non-clumping)
‘twixt the anti-freeze, tow-rope and extinguisher, washer fluid and cables for jumping.

I’ve two sets of everything for both the cars, plus warm clothes for Mom Dad and Junior,
and a wrap for the dog which I lost three times, as well as my sense of humour.
Packing all that stuff filled both the vehicles and caused me to swear and cuss.
So I parked the cars for the winter, said “To hell with it,” and travelled by bus.

                                                                                    Kevin Thornton

Words in Motion- Feature Poem of the Day for National Poetry Month

One Brief Moment


Eyes glitter from the side
of the road, face illuminates then
disappears. I slip through
hollow grasses that whisper,
into the night hunting what moves,
breath held, heartbeat suspended,
through still of darkness with you.

Night air moist, I hunger
for warmed, salt-blood, for freedom from light,
from societies’ rules—reborn primal. Carry
me with you; show me what I have put aside,
forgotten in haste.

Over the hum of tires an owl hoots,
calls my name, and I drive on
into the night.

                                          Cathy Yard

Words in Motion 2014- Feature Poem of the Day for National Poetry Month

Dirty Water


Rub-a-dub-dub
Three men in a tub
The politician, the entrepreneur 
and the undertaker
Rub-a-dub-dub

Wet heads together 
They make slippery deals
Dirty the water while passing the soap
that never cleans, even when scrubbed
Rub-a-dub-dub, three men in a tub 


Into a huddle they make
splash and foam until
the politician climbs out  
promises tucked close to chin, 
while the entrepreneur scrambles
with tax laws and penalties, 
as the wrinkles set in.
Rub-a-dub-dub, two men in a tub


The soap now a sliver 
as thin as the promises given, disappears 
Water cools and businesses fold
as the entrepreneur sinks under 
the soap-scummed water 
Rub-a-dub-dub, an undertaker in a tub 
wearing nothing
but a grin.

                                     Cathy Yard

Words in Motion 2014- Feature Poem of the Day for National Poetry Month

Rhapsody

I fulminate my own words and 
annihilate this absurd verse,
like it's a guitar verses two chords
with the same note, played in reverse.

This is poetry, I don't need to rehearse.
I'm where the Dictionary gets words.
Every ill rhyme is a sick curse.
Bleeding out my pen, we need a Bic nurse.

Spilling innocent ink 
one cartridge at a time.
Singing in sync
I’m beginning to think,
these are slick lines.

You want to hear it all, so
you got the mute paused,
but you can’t hear me because
I pen to papered this whole rap song.

These words I’m writing off,
erasing the cause because,
it’s too scripted to speak of,
these vowels between us
delegating sentences.

Let us collaborate recourse 
to restore accordingly order 
and stop reading this dead horse.

                             Jody Pratt

Words in Motion 2014- Feature Poem of the Day for National Poetry Month

Failure


Today I sit by the darkness,
And the darkness sits by me, 
There is no hope for light, 
And my tomorrow daunts me... 
The wound in my heart still hurts today, 
As I remember those days of dismay... 
When everything was within my reach, 
I could have achieved... 
Closer! Closer I went! Still closer! 
Ah! Missed. 
It was too late for my striving fingers, 
When I realized that my time passed by and by, 
And all I could do was sigh... 
The thought of failure, 
Still shakes me up from inside, 
It was the day when my only hope had died!

Kopal Garg
Grade 10, Westwood Community High School

Words in Motion 2014- Feature Poem of the Day for National Poetry Month

The Eagle has Landed

I am an eagle.
Extraordinary eyesight,
giant wings,
my sound is heard from
far away.

The sky is grey, grumpy and grim,
Deadly cold winds make a zip sound.

The wind feels so cold against my wings;
The eagle twitches as he flies
more and more.

I must fly as low as I can
to avoid the winds.

The weather freezes my wings
while flying down,
The eagle flys down like a rapid bullet;
The cold winds is frostbite just when you get outside.

The coldness can hurt so bad,
it’s a broken friendship.

Nathan Nicholle
Grade 6, St. Martha School

Words in Motion 2014- Feature Poem of the Day for National Poetry Month

I Love Kittens!


I love kittens!
Cute, cuddly, playful kittens,
Willow, Thunder, Lightning and then there’s Brittany
Those were my favourite, don’t you see.

Some are mommies,
Some now are daddies,
Then there is … my Brit-ta-ny.
She is light on her feet,
Tearing up bed sheets
Going to places she ought not to be,
I wonder what will become of she.


I love kittens!
I love cats!
Sweet, tired, lazy cats.
One’s in heaven, up above.
One’s tearing up, all my gloves,
The others just, give me lots of love!

I love kittens!
I love cats!
Even those that are sometimes brats!

Kyla Roche
Grade 3, Father Turcotte School

Words in Motion 2014- Feature Poem of the Day for National Poetry Month

Everyone Needs A Dream


Everyone needs a dream,
Don't you think?
Something….. to look forward to.
Maybe to help you
Get out of bed?
On those manic, Monday, mornings.

Dreams are something
THAT can help you.
That guides your life, like a guardian angel.
Helping you through those tough times,
When life knocks you down.
And you need
To get back up!


Dreams help you become a confident,
Strong individual.
When you can't help but  measure yourself
To the strength's of others.

And everyone needs a dream,
And just remember to….
DREAM big!

Jane Gibson
Grade 5, École St. Paul

Words in Motion 2014- Feature Poem of the Day for National Poetry Month

Summer

I love summer, summer’s hot,
Canadian winters, don’t really rock!

I have the sun, don’t need the shade.
In Africa, we loved to wade,
The sunny hot sky
Makes me feel …
Not as shy,
To play with frogs and bugs,
Or to roll on the grass,
Like it’s a rug.


Summer is eating outside,
Swinging in the park, 
And sliding down the slide,
It’s summer, it’s summer!

I love summer!
I love the sun!
Don’t need the shade,
It’s time for fun!

Nyriack Gol Jiir
Grade 3, Father Turcotte School


Winter

Winter is colder than summer.
Icicles drip under my lips.
Nothing sparkles like snow.
Tonight snowflakes shine like light.
Everyone is warm with love.
Rise and shine and have some fun. 

Christine Joyce Policarpio
Grade 3, École Boréal

Words in Motion 2014- Feature Poem of the Day for National Poetry Month

The People

The people in the village, all cozy and warm
The little children building blocks with a funny form
The people in the city at a shopping mall
Their pets altogether, walking down the hall
The people in the country, in a barn so tall
The farm animals in a barnyard stall
All the people, different heights, all have one fright…
The fright of losing purpose
The fright of the wrong way
But just remember there is always one more day
Gather together

Chloe Tagg
Grade 4, Timberlea Public School


Bully Beware

Bully bully please beware,
I don’t like when you pull my hair.
Bully bully please STOP!
Or I will tell my
Mom, dad, teacher or a cop.
I will use “I” statements
to tell how I feel.
This will help to
make my heart heal.
I will stand up for everyone
So people in our school can have lots of fun!
And now our song is DONE.

Miss MacKinnon’s Class
Grade 2, Timberlea Public School

Words in Motion 2014- Feature Poem of the Day for National Poetry Month

When You've Arrived


When you've arrived,
You'll know.
You will feel something
In the pit
Of your stomach,
You will also feel it
In your bones,
And to the tip,
Of your toes.

My arrival was
Through dance.
I gained confidence,
I felt self respect.
And I built on
My successes.

Although I stumbled
I always got up,
Pointed my toes,
Smiled
And
Just
Kept,
Dancing.

Jane Gibson
Grade 5, École St. Paul

Words in Motion 2014- Feature Poem of the Day for National Poetry Month

.      


It's kind of like the truth
wrapped up around some lies;
like the sadness only
found in long good-byes.

It's devotion to a star
that isn't in your sky;
like having no excuse
for needing an alibi.



Interpret this way;
or is it like the sunrise;
changes every day.

It is kind of like a war cry
or a peaceful protest in the park;
like a horseback ride
on a blinded stallion in the dark.



It will stab you in its light
like a flame eager to expand,
like a jagged shadow in the night;
a cryptic dagger in its hand.

It's like a secret that no one has ever heard;
the chirping of a single bird, bird, bird.
A whisper only spoken by the wind,
like a breath from deep within.

                                          Jody Pratt

Words in Motion 2014- Feature Poem of the Day for National Poetry Month

The One-Legged Goose

poised like a ballerina

daintily crops around

its single mudguard foot

hops aside briefly

when a two-legged goose curses,

then hops back, head down

still munching.

the one-legged goose knows

what the two-legged geese will never know:

that grass still tastes the same

on one leg or two

that when the worst happens

you keep your head down

you learn to hop

you keep munching.

                                      Jane Jacques

Words in Motion 2014- Feature Poem of the Day for National Poetry Month

Wooshing Upon a Star


Our little guy is four years old and he loves his cars and trucks
He likes leather and wood, and electric seats, (he prefers to ride deluxe).
And he’ll push all the buttons and buzzers and switches and anything else that adjusts
But the best of all – and he’ll tell you if you ask – is the bell on a downtown bus.

He doesn’t like the yellow and black ones. “They’re School buses, Dad,” he’ll say.
And he doesn’t really like the oil sands coaches – they take Mommy away every day.
But he loves the idea of big, wide windows and a bell to ring when it’s pushed.
And he’ll ask, as we see them go past our home, “Daddy, let’s take the Woosh.”

He calls them all ‘Wooshes’ and if those are his wishes I haven’t the heart to correct him,
Cause he watches them whoosh by and wishes to know how to ride ‘em or even collect ‘em.
You’re still far too young son, have a Hot Wheels in lieu son, and for now let’s just go out and ride them.
And maybe one day son, then it might be okay son, to get your license and learn how to drive them.

                       Kevin Thornton