Source: Adobe CC
World Poetry Day, 21 March
Practiced throughout history – in every culture and on every continent – poetry speaks to our common humanity and our shared values, transforming the simplest of poems into a powerful catalyst for dialogue and peace.
"Arranged in words, coloured with images, struck with the right meter, the power of poetry has no match. As an intimate form of expression that opens doors to others, poetry enriches the dialogue that catalyses all human progress, and is more necessary than ever in turbulent times."World Poetry Day was started in 1999, "with the aim of supporting linguistic diversity through poetic expression and increasing the opportunity for endangered languages to be heard". Its purpose is to promote the reading, writing, publishing, and teaching of poetry throughout the world and, as the original UNESCO declaration says, to "give fresh recognition and impetus to national, regional, and international poetry movements".
Here is a celebratory poem of the World Poetry Day.
World Poetry Day - A Poem
In the realm of words where cultures entwine,
Erasmus journeys, a bridge so divine.
With online language support, a guiding light,
Helping hearts connect, shining ever so bright.
From the shores of Finland, where the sisu flows,
In the Finnish language, a beauty that grows.
So on this day of verses and rhyme,
Let’s cherish each language, transcending time.
For in every word, a story is spun,
World Poetry Day, let our voices be one!
Do you write poetry?
Minna, OLS Community Manager – Finnish