City of Windsor and Poet Laureate Unveil Online Zine Collection of “Windsor’s Voices” for National Poetry Month
Early this year, the City of Windsor’s Poet Laureate Peter Hrastovec re-launched the “Windsor’s Voices” initiative to bring poetry to the community in an innovative way once again as part of National Poetry Month 2026.
Windsor poets, writers and photographers of all ages were invited to submit original poems, stories or photos on one of two themes: What Windsor Means to You; and “Land & Sea” — the League of Canadian Poets’ 2026 theme for National Poetry Month. Submissions were accepted through March 20, 2026, and resulted in 29 poetry and 18 photo submissions, which have all been included in an online zine collection now launched by the City.
Again this year, the collection of creative works celebrates neighbourhoods, traditions, landmarks, places, spaces, experiences, thoughts, and inspirations that all reflect on what makes Windsor special. The initiative promotes poetry and storytelling, in many forms, to a wide and appreciative audience while strengthening the public’s relationship to poetry and the creative arts.
Windsor’s Voices, A 2026 National Poetry Month Collection Celebrating Windsor and the Land and Sea can be viewed on the City of Windsor’s Poet Laureate Program web page. This spring, printed copies will be available for viewing at Windsor Public Library branches in the community, and selections from some of the pieces will be displayed on televisions at various City facilities for a period.
Submission Examples:
Along the Riverside, by Sumaira Ahmed
The edge is struck by glistening waves
as the sun submerges,
the water is cast with warm hues.
Wings flutter. Seagulls Squawk!
elephants captured – time still – with stone
Land painted with jade and growth
up high, borders connect through an aged bridge
Shoes striding on endless pavement
with buildings in view across the blue.
Automotive Pizza, by Summer Lu
Metal hammers the Chrysler assembly line,
Engines thunder beside the Detroit River.
But when the shifts end,
Stone ovens glow in the back of pizza shops,
Shredded pepperoni crisps at the edges,
Galati mozzarella turns golden brown.
Hands spin dough like another kind of wheel,
Another kind of assembly line – only warmer.
Sweet oregano perfume drifts around the corner,
Reminding you that you’re home
National Poetry Month Event: Bard’s Birthday Bash
Saturday, April 25, 2026, from 2:30 to 4:00 p.m.
Budimir Branch of the Windsor Public Library, 1310 Grand Marais Road West
Also, as part of National Poetry Month, Windsor's Poet Laureate Peter Hrastovec is partnering with the Windsor Public Library for a special event at the Budimir Branch of the Windsor Public Library. He will be joined by Windsor poets, performers and artists Laurie Smith, Jeff Marontate, Patricia Arndt, and Gianluca Ieraci to share some of William Shakespeare's best works.