The Covid-19 pandemic has had, and continues to have, a profound impact on individuals, families, communities, and community leaders. Feelings of loss, loneliness, stress, and anxiety have become widespread, and it is often difficult to find means of support, refreshment, and inspiration. One possible route might come as a surprise; research shows that reading poetry as a way of reflecting upon, recognising, and reinterpreting our experiences can be a very helpful tool. Encountering the right poem, at the right time, can open up a difficult moment and offer connection, hope, and respite; in this way, a poem can act rather like a prayer or meditation.
Interfaith Scotland is working with the Scottish Poetry Library to create a book of poems on the theme of ‘The Gift’. The poems will be written by people from diverse faith and belief backgrounds, and will be offered to community leaders and activists with thanks and gratitude for all they have done to steer us through the current crises. The theme of ‘The gift’ allows those submitting poems to write about what inspired them and helped bring them through the pandemic; gifts such as faith, community, connections, nature, family, friends, music etc.
We would like to offer you the opportunity to submit a poem for the anthology. Poems should be a maximum of 40 lines and on the theme of ‘The Gift’ as outlined above. We have brought together a small panel with representatives of different faiths to select poems for the anthology. Although not all poems submitted to us may be selected for the anthology we hope you find the poetry writing a positive and uplifting experience.
Please send your poems to us by 14th June 2022.