“Be yourself because everyone else is taken” – Oscar Wilde.

This morning I attended NZ Poetry Day celebrations at Tawa Library. The theme of individuality resonated as I walked into the room.

I remember when I was a child having to get up in front of my school to recite the poem The Little Elf by John Kendrick Bangs.

It was one of the most terrifying experiences of my life.

I’ve never forgotten that poem. It also illustrated to me the power of poetry as a form of expression and as a way to connect with people.

At Tawa Library poets from all walks of life read, acted, and even sang their poems to the crowd – and it was great.

Some poems inspired me, some made me laugh, some touched my heart, but all of them offered a window into the soul of their author.

Thank you to all who helped organise the event. It was a great way to celebrate poetry!