Extract from the article cervantes poetry day published on May 2022

«Some of the poets whose poems were read were: Maya Angelou, Amanda Lovelace, Rupi Kaur and Benjamin Zephaniah, to name but a few. These poets explore current topics like feminism, immigration and refugees, and make their readers aware of these important issues that are still in dispute nowadays. This is the reason why students read their poems, as it is important not only to be informed about current issues, but also to encourage young women to write. Everyone should be able to contribute with total acceptance, no matter their gender, skin color, religion, or past.

Another key element of Poetry Day was to study and celebrate their poems, which are wonderful and incredible works of art. For example, “Caged Bird” by Maya Angelou, in which she speaks about racial oppression, freedom, captivity, happiness and sorrow.

Another great poem that was read is “Broken English" by Rupi Kaur, which she wrote as a gift to her mother on Mothers’ Day. In this poem she describes her parents’ immigration experience and praises them for their admirable and beautiful behaviour and attitude. She also makes a critique of a society that rejects them despite their courage and strength.

We can see all this in the last verses:

Kiss the side of her tender cheek.

She already knows what it sounds like

to have an entire nation laugh when she speaks.

She's more than our punctuation and language.

We might be able to take pictures and write stories,

but she made an entire world for herself.

How's that for art .»

Julia González and Olivia Badcock

2nd IB  |  May 2022