Poetry in bloom at Dunrae Gardens
On January 12, Samara O’Gorman visited Dunrae Gardens (English Montreal School Board) to lead an inspiring in-class poetry workshop for Grade 5 and 6 students.
Her interactive program, Poetry’s Return, guided students through a step-by-step process on how to write poetry using her latest poetry collection, July’s Return, as inspiration.
Each student received a booklet in which to write a short poem inspired by their favourite month of the year and pair it with a drawing. The workshop encouraged creativity, imagination, and confidence in self-expression through poetry.
“The workshop’s main goal is to nurture creative writing skills and foster an appreciation for the power of self-expression through poetry,” said O’Gorman.
“My relationship with poetry began at a young age. A blank page was the only place where the noise of my thoughts seemed to quiet down. Through this workshop, I hope to show students that poetry is a living, breathing tool for self-discovery. It’s about finding the strength that comes from expressing yourself.”
January
A wonderful new year to celebrate
Full of fun and joy
To introduce our new goals and dreams
We hope for them to come true.
- Olivia Munro, Grade 5
February
Early dawn casts its gentle light
Over meadows that make inspiration take flight
It’s the moment as life begins to grow
And crystal clear rivers begin to flow
The snow will cease its harshest sins
When nature shows and life begins
The breath of earth will return
Once little seeds begin to churn
- Anna Wild, Grade 6
July
Another great school year done,
Oh I can't wait for the next one,
Yes, summer break, no work all day,
Sunshine and happiness makes everyone play!
- Nicholas St-James, Grade 5
