As we near the end of National Poetry Month, we too want to pause to pay attention to the centrality of poetry in our cultures and our lives. Since it began in 1996 by the Academy of American Poets, National Poetry Month has grown to become a significant literary celebration. During this challenging time of global pandemic, poetry has become an outlet for people to seek comfort, solace, and distraction. In the words of the Academy, “we can rely on poems to offer wisdom, uplifting ideas, and language that prompts reflection that can help us slow down and center mentally, emotionally, spiritually.” To focus on the key role that poetry has played at the journal from the beginning, we suggest you have a look at our poetry-themed back issues here and our CanLit Guide on Poetic Visuality and Experimentation here. Finally, if you want to help support poets and poetry in Canada during this time, we recommend a helpful list of resources posted by The League of Canadian Poets.
—Niamh Harold, Editorial Assistant