Poets in 350 cities representing 80 countries recently organised the largest poetry reading in history with over 450 individual events scheduled to take place simultaneously.  The aim was to promote environmental, social and political change in the world.

The concept behind the event originated from the 100 Thousand Poets for Change poetic association based at Stanford University, California, whose founder is Michael Rothenberg, a well-known poet, writer and editor of the Bigbridge literary magazine.

Malta participated in the event through the Ghaqda Poeti Maltin (Maltese Poets Association), at an event held at the Birkirkara local council. Various poets took part in this Poetry reading for Peace and Sustainability. Poems in different languages but with the same theme were read by those present with intervals of popular songs by the Ellul and Debono families.

In a short introductory speech Alfred Massa, the association’s president, encouraged all poets to work for peace. He reminded those present that poets are regarded as teachers and leaders of society. But primarily poets need to find that peace within themselves, and then share it with others, he said.