Of all the writing organizations I’ve been a member of throughout the past decade, in my view The Ontario Poetry Society offers the most writerly satisfaction. Yes, I am biased, being the President. However I wouldn’t have undertaken this role if I didn’t believe in the organization and what it offers.  And this is a theme you will find throughout the organization, in our website, anthology, chapbook and newsletter editors, judges, Branch Presidents, Executive members, and the membership at large. If you enjoy poetry, you will love The Ontario Poetry Society. It is affordable too ($25 a year), providing excellent value for what it offers.

                That’s an insider’s view. If you are new to The Ontario Poetry Society, here is some information about us. Currently with almost 200 members and about 14 branches, the organization has grown into a solid, creative jewel in the world of poetry in Canada. We primarily have members from Ontario but also welcome auxiliary members from across Canada. Most members write poetry regularly, but even if you only write occasionally, or just want to enjoy the works of others, we welcome all members (though we may prompt you from time to time to submit a poem). You are welcome to join a branch if you wish, but are not required to do so, and can participate in our readings, get-togethers, events and publications. We offer a place for poets to submit their poetry and have it published at least three times a year included with the cost of membership, within our cornerstone publication, Verse Afire. I look forward to every issue and reading the works of our members. All styles of poetry are welcome, from free verse and haiku to rhyming poetry. Each Verse Afire has a theme. Members are inspired by each new topic to write a poem or they can submit an older poem if preferred. As Verse Afire is our members’ newsletter and has an ISSN, each copy of Verse Afire is sent to the National Library of Canada, so your poetry will be preserved.

               Each year we produce a beautiful perfect-bound poetry anthology, with a varying theme and format. Members submit five or more poems, of which at least two are chosen from each member and are included in the book, along with members’ bios. For instance the Summer 2007 collection, Butterfly Thunder, has a submission deadline of February 28, 2007. To be self-sustaining, members purchase one or more books at $20 each. Butterfly Thunder calls for members’ poetry about: Inner desires; Our Mortal Toil; Human Frailties; The Writing Life; Quotidian Existence; or Whatever thunderbolts us. The themes are designed to inspire, challenge and entertain us as poets.

              Throughout the year we have organized readings, more like poetry parties, that all members are welcome to attend, where you may read your poetry in a supportive and friendly environment. We offer publishing opportunities for those who have a collection of poetry they wish published, along with mentors and editors to help you arrive at that goal.

              There are contests each year for members only as well as for the general public. For example, Our Open Heart Poetry Contest (deadline 25/December/06), a public contest, donates a top prize to the winner’s Charity of their choice as well as prizes for the top poems and chapbook publication. Also, in 2007 we are proud to be launching our prestigious new contest for the public, the Arborealis Prize for Poetry (deadline 30/September/07). With lucrative prizes and the production of a perfect bound anthology for the top 60 or so poems, we intend for Arborealis to become one of the most anticipated poetry publications with some of the best work being produced in Canada.

             This is a taste of what The Ontario Poetry Society has to offer. We take pride in our poetry, ideally inspiring each other to grow in our writing. On the journey, our intention is to enjoy ourselves as we revel in each others’ works. If you would like more information about The Ontario Poetry Society, please see our website at www.theontariopoetrysociety.ca