Writes of Spring

Writes of Spring is a National Poetry Month project, appearing the last weekend in April in the Free Press in print and online.

It features short poems by Manitoba writers, with an emphasis on emerging writers. The poems are selected by Ariel Gordon and are accompanied by portraits by Free Press photographer Mike Deal.

Since 2016, Writes of Spring has featured more than 100 poems, showcasing the width and breadth of the writing and publishing community in this province.

(Photo by Eva Bronzini / Pexels)

Writes of Spring celebrates 10th anniversary with baker’s dozen of poetry treats

Ariel Gordon, photography by Mike Deal 9 minute read Friday, Apr. 25, 2025
MIKE DEAL / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS 
A plane approaches Winnipeg's airport over the city's skyline.

Writes of Spring

City poets take on the Winnipeg 150 theme: ‘Our shared stories. Our shared future.’

Julian Day and Ariel Gordon 11 minute read Friday, Apr. 26, 2024
(Karolina Grabowska / Pexels)

Contemplating contentment

Manitoba poets explore the concept of happiness in verse

Ariel Gordon 10 minute read Friday, Apr. 28, 2023
Roewan Crowe (Mike Deal / Winnipeg Free Press)

Writes of Spring: Intimacy

A National Poetry Month Project with the Winnipeg International Writers Festival and the Winnipeg Free Press

Ariel Gordon 9 minute read Sunday, Apr. 24, 2022
photos by MIKE DEAL / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS
Alero Tenumah relaxes in Ken Oblik Greenway Park. Each poet was asked to choose a location, inside or outside, that was their refuge during the pandemic.

Resiliency in times of uncertainty

8 minute read Saturday, Apr. 24, 2021
Thought Catalogue

Manitoba poets, a world of poetry

Words, thoughts to ponder from a safe social distance

10 minute read Saturday, Apr. 18, 2020
Kaelen Bell

Sowing seeds

This year's selection marking National Poetry Month explores 'nature' as theme

Curated by John Toews and Ariel Gordon, Photography by Mike Deal 8 minute read Saturday, Apr. 20, 2019
Photo by Aron Visuals on Unsplash

‘Anniversary’ gifts

This year's selection of poems marking National Poetry Month centres around the theme of 'anniversary'

11 minute read Monday, Mar. 9, 2026
‘Time’ pieces

‘Time’ pieces

Free Press celebrates National Poetry Month with a selection of poems centred around the theme of 'time'

Ariel Gordon 9 minute read Monday, Mar. 9, 2026