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Poetry contest and events at Sechelt Library

April Is Poetry Month
poetry
Poetry contest finalists in the child/youth category: Gurjot Singh (left) and Hailey Kwansney.

“I was so happy to come to Canada. I was so excited,” wrote Gurjot Singh, a Grade 6 student attending Kinnikinnick Elementary School. The poem he wrote, Coming to Canada, was chosen as first prize in the child/youth category of the second annual Sechelt Library Poetry Contest. Gurjot and his family moved to the Sunshine Coast from India in October. His poem touched the judges, especially when he wrote about being reunited with the rest of his family and his pet, at their new home on the Coast.

The theme this year was A Happy Moment in Time. There were 55 entries with the most entries for the adult category. Richard Austin Bothwick received first prize in the adult category, writing about the birth of Jess. “Head delivered, eyes open. Face pink, breath. Let go into this rich, happy moment” – a beautiful moment, a happy moment indeed.

Other prize winners in the child/youth category are: second prize, Hailey Kwansney with her poem My Special Place; third prize, Bridget Towns with her poem Ocean Breeze. In the adult category: second prize, Deanne Minneau with her poem One Happy Moment in Time; and third prize, Elisabeth Parker with Seabird. 

All the poems have been laminated and are hanging on a poetry line in the trees outside the library. 

Lowry Olafson will host the last event for Poetry Month at the Sechelt Library. He will be presenting a talk on Thursday, April 26 about transforming poetry into songs. To reserve a seat, call the library at 604-886-3260.

– Submitted by Sherryl Latimer