Can we say that word yet? Can we write that word yet? The word we dare not loose for fear of reprisal from the weather gods? Maybe. In between all the things people ask of us we think of tank tops, flip flops, and patio beers. And when that certain word DOES finally write itself, what shall we do to mark the occasion?

April is National Poetry Month. That may mean something special in some circles, but what does it mean in daily life for the average person? It may mean noticing the way the sun falls between buildings at 7pm. It may mean listening to and appreciating the subtle beauty of the human voice in the air – not spoken poetry per se, but just words, how our familiars say things. Perhaps it means re-reading Dickinson or Eliot. It may dictate a trip to the poetry section of Audreys Books. For some it means contemplating the Griffin Poetry Prize shortlist and wondering why their favourite poet isn’t on it. For most, we suspect, this month dedicated to poetry is about noticing words with a little more intensity than usual. If you want to get heady about it, you may come to believe that “Poetry is a characteristic of reality, echoing in every human tongue.” (Bringhurst) Poetry is out there without us…we just grab it by the hind leg from time to time.

More prosaically: We’ve added a new event since we first announced and posted or schedule. It’s called Build a Book, and it’s presented in partnership with the Edmonton Public Library and Elizabeth Withey, the EPL’s current Writer in Residence. The event takes place in the EPL’s Maker Space at the downtown Milner Library. The event features the Espresso Book Machine, and selected participants will have their work published in a slim chapbook. Check the event page for complete details and submission guidelines.

Enjoy spring’s fickle gifts, #yeg. We’ll see you out on the streets.