This Saturday, 21 March 2026, communities will come together to celebrate World Poetry Day, a global occasion dedicated to the power of poetry, a form of creative expression, cultural heritage, and emotional connection.
The day encourages everyone to read, write, share, and enjoy poetry. Whether it’s revisiting a favourite poem, discovering a new voice, or even putting pen to paper yourself, there are many ways to take part.
Here in our community, poetry is very much alive, visitors to the Library can enjoy our “Poem of the Week,” with this week’s feature being “Look No Further” by Julie O’Callaghan. We also offer a select range of poetry books available to browse and borrow. If you can’t find what you are looking for or want to order anything specific, remember you can access this service online or speak to our friendly volunteers who will be happy to help.
World Poetry Day is also a chance to celebrate local creativity. One of our fellow Masham Strollers, Robert Hill, has kindly shared a heartfelt poem reflecting on what it means to be part of our regular wellbeing walks.
This World Poetry Day, take a moment to slow down, reflect, and connect through the simple but powerful art of poetry and if you are feeling inspired… why not try writing one for yourself?
Strolling - by Robert Hill
When you reach a certain age
A regular stroll is all the rage
Along a river bank, across a lea
Stride on out and set your muscles free
Masham Strollers and Old, a weekly walk
Comments passing to and fro
On what they’d heard or seen
Mainly on a pastoral theme
Rabbits peep from burrows deep
and survey the sylvan scene
Feel safe to venture out
And nibble all that’s green
Hear a little stream go bubbling by
Threading it’s way through wood and Lea
Until it joins the great north sea
Bushes and trees are all a twitter
Crossing glades the birds do flitter
And the air is filled with joyous song
Back and forth on each day long
Swathes of bluebells, thick and rank
Primroses to meet you on a grassy bank
Breath in deep, wild garlic smell
In glorious England all is well.
