Today is the International World Poetry Day

You didn't know that there was a day to celebrate poetry right? Well, there is. And according to UNESCO, today is the day. 

According to the UNESCO: "Poetry contributes to creative diversity, by questioning anew our use of words and things, our modes of perception and understanding of the world. Through its associations, its metaphors and its own grammar, poetic language is thus conceivably another facet of the dialogue among cultures. Diversity in dialogue, free flow of ideas by word, creativity and innovation. World Poetry Day is an invitation to reflect on the power of language and the full development of each person’s creative abilities. Every year on 21 March UNESCO celebrates the World Poetry Day. A decision to proclaim 21 March as World Poetry Day was adopted during the UNESCO’s 30th session held in Paris in 1999."

Poetry is a journey – not in a dream world, but often close to individual emotions, aspirations and hopes. Poetry gives form to the dreams of peoples and expresses their spirituality in the strongest terms-- it emboldens all of us also to change the world." Irina Bokova, UNESCO Director General's Message on Poetry Day 2013

So, how do you celebrate? You decide. Write a poem. Read a poem to a child. Share your favourite poem on social media. Share your thoughts on poetry with loved ones. Have an online discussion about poetry. Whatever you do, celebrate poetry today. 

Here at the GCLF, we are celebrating by sharing poetry; the first poem is from poet and blogger, Kola Tubosun. Share love, poetry; not war! Enjoy it. 

Stoning the Devil by Kola Tubosun 

(written originally for Iraq, and Mecca, and Amina Lawal about to be stoned: March 2003. Now also for Kano, and Afghanistan, and Mali…)

        A million march of contrite feet

Have trudged on these bright hallowed grounds

While rams of hate graze along in God’s own fields.

        Heavy paces in annual contrition

Have trekked like peasant armies on a sea of evil heads,

On thousand squelching grains of stone

As small rocks of war.

     Thousand heads have rolled in this dust

In mounds against target gods…

      “We are stoning the Devil”

We are always stoning the devil.

        Eternal zest with religious strength

Have pelted the Significant with harsh pellets

And a stone will to fiery extinction, yearly,

At varying levels of human will…

        “Gbosa!”

        Rocks have darted across in wilful spread

on evil personified ahead of the surging crowd.

Hate yet thrives in unnumbered axes

In rains and moulds, on hills and western skies.

         So cast the first stone then

When evil remains in hearts across the open earth.

Cast a stone as hate grips like a fiery noose

Around a strained neck of drunken love?

     Cast the first stone.

      On a crooked way to light

Always lies this crude, black rock.

Culled from Headfirst into the Meddle (2005)