Poetry in the Capital

Poetry has a long history, and while it’s unclear when it started exactly, the oldest surviving poem was said to have been written in 2500 B.C.E.

To this day, in every country and at every age, poetry continues to be written, read and listened to for the purpose of sharing experiences.

With Ottawa’s poetry scene having grown more than ever over the past decade, Ottawa Life Magazine is introducing a poetry section where you can access the best local poetry in just a click!

Every week OLM will be publishing a new poem to the website written by our city’s most talented and diverse writers. We’ll also be sharing regular monthly events happening around the city, like reading series, writer’s circles and festivals. Make sure you check out open mic nights and readings taking place at trendy Ottawa locations like Umi Cafe and the Tea Party Cafe. Can’t make the trip? Tune in to Monday Night Scribes, the chou.fm radio show where you can hear from live writers, reciters, MCs and poets.

Whether you’re just there to listen or are ready to share your personal writings, poetry inspires our lives every day! Whether you’re signing up for a poetry workshop for the first time or attending a reading group there are so many ways to celebrate this coveted art form!

Around Town

Prose in the Park
June 6, 2015
11 a.m.-6 p.m.
Parkdale Park
Canada’s newest literary festival and book fair will feature over more than 150 Canadian authors, fifteen authors’ panels and special activites, including an all-day open-mic stage. For more information, click here.

A B Series

Readings by Vera Wabegijig and Ben Ladouceur
June 5, 2015
7 p.m.
Arts Court, Ottawa Art Gallery
Presenting the Ottawa launch for the Ladoucer’s first poetry collection, Otter. Wabegijig will read from her recently published Wild Rice Dreams. For more information on the A B Series, click here.

Reading and Conversation with Wayde Compton
June 6, 2015
2 p.m.
Arts Court, Ottawa Art Gallery
Wayde Compton writes poetry, fiction, and non-fiction. Come here him share his work! Click here for more details.