Great memories of our final 2024 reading on Nov 23 w/ #MoezSurani #CoryLavender & @egnlafleur! Big thanks to our audience & our generous event sponsors:@LdnArtsCouncil @ONArtsCouncil @CanadaCouncil#GaspereauPress @bookhugpress @digibeenet@londonlibrary pic.twitter.com/oFqBxQJfJU
— Antler River Poetry (@poetrylondon_ca) January 3, 2025
Antler River Poetry Presents Cory Lavender & Moez Surani with local opener E.G.N. Lafleur
Wednesday November 20th, from 7:00pm to 8:30pm downstairs at the Landon Branch London Public Library at 167 Wortley Road
We are thrilled to announce that our November reading will feature readings from the wonderful Cory Lavender & Moez Surani with local opener E.G.N. Lafleur Please join us on Wednesday, November 20 from 7-8:30pm at Landon Public Library in Wortley Village for our last reading before the holiday season & new year, it’s going to be an incredible evening!
Poet Bios:
- Cory Lavender
- Moez Surani
- E.G.N. Lafleur (see below)
E.G.N. Lafleur is a poet, essayist, and postulant for priesthood in the Anglican Church of Canada. She writes on the cultural history of queerness and the church, camp, liberation, and the middle ages. You can find her on X @egnlafleur and her essays on Substack at egnlafleur.substack.com or egnlafleur.com. Her first poetry chapbook, THE MAGI COME TO TORONTO, is out with Kith Books on November 15.
A belated celebratory post of our superb Oct 23 reading w/ #SarahBurgoyne #LukeHathaway #DanielCabena & #JennyBerkel!
Big thanks to our audience & our generous event sponsors:@LdnArtsCouncil @ONArtsCouncil @CanadaCouncil@biblioasis @coachhousebooks @digibeenet @londonlibrary pic.twitter.com/U0YijwC1YK
— Antler River Poetry (@poetrylondon_ca) November 4, 2024
Antler River Poetry Presents Sarah Burgoyne & Luke Hathaway
Wednesday October 23rd, from 7:00pm to 8:30pm downstairs at the Landon Branch London Public Library at 167 Wortley Road
Join Antler River Poetry Wednesday evening October 23rd for great poetry from Sarah Burgoyne and Luke Hathaway. The event will take place at Landon Branch Library (167 Wortley Road, London ON). Readings are from 7:00-8:30pm. We encourage you to wear a mask to protect vulnerable members of our community.
We are grateful for our generous event sponsors including Coach House Books, Biblioasis, London Arts Council, The City of London, Ontario Arts Council, The Government of Ontario, Canada Council for the Arts, digibee.net, and The London Public Library.
We had a packed house for Wednesday’s incredible reading from katherena vermette & @melschnarr!
Big thanks to our audience & our generous event sponsors: @LdnArtsCouncil @ONArtsCouncil@CanadaCouncil @CanadianPoets @digibeenet@PenguinRandomCA @HouseofAnansi @londonlibrary pic.twitter.com/xxpCXNdQsv
— Antler River Poetry (@poetrylondon_ca) September 24, 2024
We also had the pleasure of hearing artist, designer, & consultant @KatieWilhelm discuss her process of creating Antler River Poetry’s iconic logo!
Learn more about Katie’s creative work & services here: https://t.co/pTyJSZY2c9 pic.twitter.com/9pCbGkM5KN
— Antler River Poetry (@poetrylondon_ca) September 24, 2024
Antler River Poetry is very grateful to have received a Project Grant from @ONArtsCouncil for our 2024-25 season. This crucial funding allows us to host amazing community events like our Sept 18 reading!
Our full schedule is listed below (held at Landon Branch @londonlibrary). pic.twitter.com/UK2Z01PkgG
— Antler River Poetry (@poetrylondon_ca) September 24, 2024
Wed Sept 18th / Central Library:
Antler River Poetry Presents katherena vermette
Coming up next week: acclaimed novelist/poet katherena vermette kicks off our season w/ local opener Melissa Schnarr.
Please join us on September 18 from 7-8:30pm at the Central Library on Dundas St. — all other regular-season events will be hosted at the Landon Library — for what is sure to be a spectacular reading! katherena will also be launching her new novel, real ones (Penguin Random House), at this event, so you won’t want to miss it!
Melissa Schnarr is Anishinaabe & Kanien’kehá:ka from Bkejwanong Territory. Her first chapbook, Secondhand Moccasins, was published by Anstruther Press.
Wednesday September 18th, 7:00pm
Central Branch London Library
251 Dundas Stret London Ontario
Free: Reserve your seat.
Make sure to reserve your FREE seat here: eventbrite.ca/e/antler…
Antler River Poetry is Delighted to Announce the Readers for Our 2024/2025 Season
We are thrilled to announce our full 2024-2025 lineup! Poet bios/pics & more event info coming soon.
September 18, 2024: katherena vermette
October 23, 2024: Sarah Burgoyne & Luke Hathaway
November 20, 2024: Cory Lavender & Moez Surani
January 22, 2025: Ellen Chang-Richardson & Ronna Bloom
February 26, 2025: Em Dial & Michelle Doege
March 19, 2025: Ashley-Elizabeth Best & Sarah Yi-Mei Tsiang
April 23, 2025: Ayaz Pirani & Zoe Whittall
Mark the dates in your calendars, set your reminders, remember to spread the word, and above all, come listen to the readings. Bring a friend. Check here and on our social media for updates.
We are looking forward to seeing all of you at the reading!
Antler River Poetry is made possible through the very generous support of the London Arts Council, City of London, Ontario Arts Council, Government of Ontario, Canada Council for the Arts, League of Canadian Poets, digibee.net, London Public Library, and our numerous community partners & publisher sponsors.
The 2024 London Black History Coordinating Committee Emancipation Day Poetry Contest
We are delighted to publish the winning poems of the inaugural Emancipation Day poetry contest judged by Matthew Dawkins, Cornel Grey, and Christina Lord. This contest was hosted by the London Black History Coordinating Committee (LBHCC) in partnership with Spoken Culture and Antler River Poetry.
About the LBHCC: “The goal of the London Black History Coordinating Committee is to engage the community in celebrating Black History Month through organizing, supporting, and collaborating with community organizations on programs and activities that are available in the region to educate, inform and uplift.”
From the LBHCC about Emancipation Day: “Slavery was abolished throughout the British colonies with the passing of the Slavery Abolition Act on August 1, 1833. Since 1834, Emancipation Day celebrations occurred in Ontario and Quebec then in communities throughout the rest of Canada in 1846 and 1858.”
1st Prize: “Dawn of Liberation” by Gift Anumadu
Dawn of Liberation Liberation Day; a sunrise so radiant, A glimmer of optimism in the darkest corners, The fading echoes of shackles, The sigh of liberty, a mind unbound. A history scarred by pain and sorrow, Infinite fields once dominated by fetters, Yet, a flame ignited at the core, A spirit yearning for freedom roared. Today, the sun finally pierced the gloom, Casting light on the tree of liberty, Sturdy roots, expansive branches, An emblem of steadfast dignity. The atmosphere vibrates with ancestral whispers, Their hopes, their battles, a silent appeal, For every whip endured, every tear spilled, A tribute to our tenacity. "Liberation" hums a tune of freedom, Escaping the clutches of harsh whims. The voices have emerged from the shadowy silhouettes, Becoming strong, assertive entities. In every pulse, in every breath, A festivity of life's profundity, Of voyages long, of victories achieved, Of waxing moons, of waning suns. Today, a spectrum of colors unfurls, Narratives shared, spirits bonded, A daring and elegant legacy, Of a populace determined to endure. The call of freedom, a siren's melody, To rectify the centuries' grave injustice, A jubilant dance, a triumphant shout, A hymn to human worth. With each stride forward, a journey unshackled, Inequality confronted, parity attained, We pay tribute to those who blazed the trail, Their beacon illuminates our path every day. Liberation Day is a hallowed event, A tune, an ageless verse, A prompt to recognize our inner fortitude, To ponder our voyage and the strides taken. Freedom is a valued gem, Deep-seated in our hearts and minds, Forever recognized. Let us stand together and rejoice in our shared humanity. A day of aspirations, a day of tranquility, Where dreams are cultivated, fears dispelled, Liberation Day, a luminous guide, Leading us towards a future aglow.
Gift is a dedicated healthcare giver passionate about patient care and well-being. She has honed skills in providing compassionate and effective support to patients. A poet whose work captures the beauty and complexity of human emotions. She finds inspiration in everyday experiences, weaving together a life dedicated to healing and artistic expression.
2nd Prize: “Echoes of the Wind” by Paleesa Kapoor
Echoes of the Wind Freedom's fragrance in the air, a symphony of hope Steps of liberation echo; photograph of hopeful faces in the newspaper Transporting back to a small town where once, dreams were confined in mental cells Amidst this atmosphere of struggle and bearing A mother feeding heaping spoonfuls of hope to her child, The child holds dreams close to heart to silence the hunger for a better life But darkness had tried to dim their path, the ache of dreams discarded Landscapes blur into eerie corridors, They are heavy with unwritten narratives, murmurs of deferred desires that caused agony Rows of desperate faces looking hauntingly alike Their yearning for freedom is etched in every glance. By night, they are drowned souls, huddled in their beds Fixing eyes upon a hollow and swollen face Injustice arouses anger and reveals petrified child within Sighing, clenching a fist tight into the newspaper and starting on the way home A shadow of charcoal dissolves into the quaint tunnel of lost souls A distant call of freedom piercing the melancholy silence Stumbling along, the scent of hope fills A scarred lady, now in a brightly colored shawl, Engages in animated conversation, her eyes warm “Home” whispers the winds; it speaks freedom’s name This sense of security, warmth, and bonding A world of compassion and understanding is to find a glimmer of light Helping others and ourselves find a way home Wherever it may be A quest every human shares, reverberating through the ages
Paleesa Kapoor is a student at Western University whose work has been published in the Western Public Art Exhibition, called Nuit Violette, ICONOCLAST (Western University’s arts & culture collective) for the issue called Witness, and MJF Creative Magazine Issues 1 and 2 (a Toronto-based up-and-coming creative house for artists and writers who deserve the spotlight). The story of life may have black splotches, but Paleesa hopes to inspire people with each of her elegant strokes of ink.
The 2024 Antler River Poetry Contest Winning Poems
We are delighted to publish the winning poems of our 2024 poetry contest judged by Annick MacAskill. Along with the winning poems, we are including the poets’ photos and bios and the judge’s notes.
1st Prize: “Parkinson’s: A Petrarchan Sonnet” by Christopher Green
Parkinson’s: A Petrarchan Sonnet fire ants dance upon your decaying body, ever-fleeting thoughts mince what once were. now hands contort, as per tremors like ripples of hot tea! for equilibrium has left thee with a forsaken stir, memory—all but a forgotten blur. who are you... if not he? the man with rope for two feet, captain of vessel-less waters navigating with maps spoken incomplete to pursue a fragmented testimony of disorders, melancholically muttering obsolete words which weigh upon wounded shoulders.
Christopher Richard Green is a multidisciplinary artist, born and raised in London, Ontario. With a passion for self-expression, he explores the human condition through photography and more recently, creative writing. His work reflects an introspective pursuit of meaning and identity amidst the complexities of contemporary life. This is his first poetry publication!
Judge’s Notes
Exemplary in its mastery of rhyme, diction, and metaphor, “Parkinson’s: A Petrarchan Sonnet” is an honest, moving poem.
2nd Prize: “genesis” by Olivia Saldua
genesis in the beginning there were seven days in a nameless month warmed in the palm like modeling clay you were there you saw it all happen your eyes painted the loneliest blue you thought “god, how lovely the world is and how cruel that i long for more” and then there i was built up from the dust like a breath knocked from your chest and there it all goes, the weight of your being your body finds mine in the fading light from the silence we come and if you’re with me back into the silence i would willingly go
Olivia Saldua is an aspiring writer from Brampton, Ontario (who just moved away from London). She attended Western University, where she studied French and English, with a minor in Creative Writing. She also studied creative writing with a specialization in poetry at Humber’s School for Writers. She is in the process of getting her debut collection published. She is always looking for her next adventure.
Judge’s Notes
Direct and surprising, “genesis” offers a fresh take on one of our world’s oldest myths.
3rd Prize: “Moose Poem” by Gray Brogden
Moose Poem The moose lumbers through the forest, snapping twigs and crushing dry leaves under-hoof. The moose flies a spaceship to the moon, orbits twice, flies back to Earth, then lands without anybody noticing. The moose hosts a bi-weekly Skip-Bo game at the lake, the beaver currently holds the crown. The moose just received his PhD. The moose dives under the water, scattering the perch and the walleye, he grips pondweed in his mouth and pulls—the cool water sloshing over his shiny coat. The moose moves to Newfoundland and copulates prolifically. The moose quilts a blanket for the winter. The moose hosts a party somewhere in the woods, he serves birch bark and tortilla chips, the squirrels show up late. The moose pauses in a clearing—the snow fresh and crisp around him, he looks once, looks twice, shimmies his whole body, from snout to tail, and sends his antlers flying.
The 2023/24 Student Writer-in-Residence at Western University, Gray Brogden is a passionate writer, poet, and performer, living and studying on the traditional lands of the Anishinaabek, Haudenosaunee, Lūnaapéewak and Attawandaron peoples (London ON). Her work has been published in local, provincial and national anthologies, and she was the 2023 recipient of both the Lillian Kroll Prize in Creative Writing and the Marguerite R. Dow Canadian Heritage Writing Award.
Judge’s Notes
“Moose Poem” is charmingly enigmatic. A promising piece of writing.
On April 24th, we were thrilled to have our 2024 Poetry Contest winners read their poems selected by@thisisannick!
These poems will be published on our website in the coming days. Congratulations Christopher, Olivia, and Gray! @londonlibrary pic.twitter.com/TbHXekpEtG
— Antler River Poetry (@poetrylondon_ca) April 27, 2024
April 24 was a stellar night of poetry featuring @thisisannick @charlottehegele #DrewMcEwan & our contest winners!
Thanks to our audience & our sponsors:@LdnArtsCouncil @ONArtsCouncil @CanadaCouncil@CanadianPoets @digibeenet @GaspereauPress @bookhugpress @londonlibrary pic.twitter.com/jI2gIFjRLZ
— Antler River Poetry (@poetrylondon_ca) April 27, 2024
Announcing the Winners of Our 2024 Poetry Contest
We are delighted to reveal the winners of our 2024 open theme poetry contest, chosen by Annick MacAskill
1st Prize: “Parkinson’s: A Petrarchan Sonnet”
by Christopher Green
2nd Prize: “genesis”
by Olivia Saldua
3rd Prize: “Moose Poem”
by Gray Brogden
Hear these poems at our Wednesday April 24 event at 7:00pm, details below.
Antler River Poetry Presents Drew McEwan and Annick MacAskill
Happy spring poetry lovers! We are pleased to invite you to our poetry season finale on Wednesday April 24th, featuring sure-to-be fantastic readings from Drew McEwan, Annick MacAskill and our 2024 poetry contest winners. We are looking forward to seeing you all at the readings.
- Readings: 7:00-8:30pm
- Landon Branch Library
- 167 Wortley Road in London
Bios:
We strongly encourage masks. Seating is limited.
Our March 20 event was a poetic tour-de-force thanks to @bengymen @aaronkreuter & @KitRoffey!
Thanks to our audience (who braved the snow) & generous sponsors: @LdnArtsCouncil @ONArtsCouncil @CanadaCouncil @CanadianPoets @digibeenet @PalimpsestPress @UofRPress @londonlibrary pic.twitter.com/RqNqjlOXG4
— Antler River Poetry (@poetrylondon_ca) March 30, 2024
Antler River Poetry Presents Ben Robinson and Aaron Kreuter
Wednesday, March 20 2024 at Landon Branch London Public Library
Hey poets & poetry lovers! Our penultimate season reading is right around the corner, and we’re delighted to be hosting the incredible Ben Robinson & Aaron Kreuter We do hope you’ll join us on Wednesday, March 20 from 7:00-8:30 pm at the Landon Branch Library in Wortley Village for what is sure to be a fantastic evening
Poet Bios:
P.S. We missed Kit Roffey at our January event, but they will join Ben and Aaron on Wednesday. Kit Roffey’s work appears in Vallum Magazine, Grain Magazine, EVENT Poetry & Prose and others. Their first collection of poetry, Civilian of Dirt, is out now with 845 Press.
Poetry Contest Deadline Extended!
Dear poets, we are extending the Antler River Poetry 2024 Open Theme Contest entry deadline to Monday March 18th, 2024. You now have until then to submit your work. For more information about the contest please visit our Poetry Contest page.
Antler River Poetry 2024 Open Theme Contest
Submit your best work to Antler River Poetry’s 2024 Open Theme poetry contest, judged by Governor General Award winning poet Annick MacAskill! Contest entries must be one poem of no more than 40 lines, on any topic, in any style; only submit original work that has not been previously published in print or online. No AI-generated submissions are allowed.
Send poems in PDF format by email only to arpcontest@gmail.com. Please include your name, your complete contact information (including mailing address), and the title of your poem in the body of the email. Poems will be presented anonymously to our judge, so please do not include your name in the PDF file of your poem. You must be a resident of (or attending school in) London, ON and surrounding area to enter. Winners will be announced in mid-April 2024 (only winners will be contacted)
- First Prize is $100
- Second Prize is $75
- Third Prize is $50
The winning poets will have their work published on Antler River Poetry’s website and will be invited to read their winning pieces at our April event.
What a fantastic event last week! Big thanks to @rasiqra_revulva @KateriAkiwenzie & #ShayBramer for their incredible poetry.
Thanks also to our audience & generous sponsors:@LdnArtsCouncil @ONArtsCouncil @CanadaCouncil@digibeenet @wlupress @wolsakandwynn @londonlibrary pic.twitter.com/DbjO7gMnys
— Antler River Poetry (@poetrylondon_ca) February 22, 2024
Antler River Poetry Presents Kateri Akiwenzie-Damm & Rasiqra Revulva with a local opener Shayla Bramer.
7pm on Valentine’s Day 2024 at Landon Branch London Public Library
Can you think of a better way to celebrate Valentine’s Day than listening to live expressions of the most romantic form of literature? Neither can we! Please join us on Wednesday, February 14 from 7-8:30 PM at Landon Library as we welcome the incredible Kateri Akiwenzie-Damm & Rasiqra Revulva with local opener Shayla Bramer It’s going to be yet another wonderful event and we’re very much looking forward to seeing you all there
Poet Bios:
Many thanks to all our incredible readers & speakers at our small press celebration on Jan 17th!
Thanks also to our keen audience & generous sponsors: @LdnArtsCouncil @ONArtsCouncil @CanadianPoets @CanadaCouncil @digibeenet @arpbooks @UCalgaryPress @londonlibrary @baselinepress pic.twitter.com/Ex8VnSCRxf
— Antler River Poetry (@poetrylondon_ca) January 25, 2024
Antler River Poetry Rings in the New Year with Readings from Karen Schindler, Rob McLennan, and Poets with Chapbooks
7pm on Wednesday January 17 2024 at Landon Branch London Public Library
We hope you all had a wonderful holiday and that 2024 has been treating you well so far! A new year means new poets, and we’re thrilled to kick off the 2024 portion of our season with the incredible Karen Schindler & rob mclennan (with opener(s) TBA) We hope you’ll join us on Wednesday, January 17 from 7-8:30pm @ Landon Library in Wortley Village, it’s sure to be a great event!
Poet Bios:
Karen Schindler
rob mclennan