Poetry is on the rise in New Westminster—thanks to New West’s newly appointed Poet Laureate Candice James, who has since coordinated three new poetry events: Poetic Justice, Poetry in the Park (July–August every Wednesday from 7pm–9pm in Queens Park, New Westminster), and Slam Central (every second Thursday at the Heritage Grill from 8pm–late).

Last night’s installment of Poetic Justice (held every Sunday from 3pm–5pm at the Heritage Grill), drew a generous crowd of eager listeners. Around quarter to five the dim, cave-like room began to fill. Anticipation built as readers and listeners chatted over drinks and appetizers.

Daniela Elza, author of The Book of It (e-book) and the first of three featured poets, took the stage. With a dynamic, wistful voice, she took listeners on a journey from B.C. to Bulgaria through a collection of travel poems. She also read a segment from The Book of It.

Bonnie Nish, founder of Pandora’s Collective (pandorascollective.com), was the next featured poet. Her poems took readers on an emotional journey, from death to love and everything between. She read her lovely and often haunting poems—including the mournful ”Forgetting Mr. Low” and hilarious “On Being Ashley Judd“—with fiery emotion.

Diane Tucker, who recently released her first novel, His Sweet Flavour (Thistledown Press 2009), was the last featured poet before the open Mic. She read a colourful chapter from Bright Scarves of Hours (Palimpsest Press 2007), a poetry book whose chapters are divided into hours.

Fauzia Rafique, Miriam Rafique, and Ashok Bhargava also read poems during the open Mic.

Thanks go to the evening’s gracious hosts, Reese McBeth and Franci Louann, who kept the crowd excited and entertained.

—Laurie Neale