THE POETS BILLBOARD

A billboard… for poetry? Yes, and it’s already stopping people in their tracks.

Introducing The Poets Billboard, a heartwarming community initiative dreamed up and delivered by Nicky Deeley, Manager of Community Development and Wellbeing. With the generous support of a local billboard owner, we’ve transformed an unused signboard on Maniapoto Street into a beautiful public stage for words, poems written by local voices, printed big and bold for all to see.

We’re honoured to launch this project with a poet whose words carry decades of wisdom and gentle insight.

MEET OUR INAUGURAL POET: SYLVIA BEVERIDGE

Sylvia Beveridge is a published poet, a lifelong writer, and a much loved member of the Ōtorohanga community. Now 94 and living at Beattie Home, Sylvia continues to write with grace, clarity, and compassion, finding inspiration in the stillness, beauty, and fragility of life.

Born in Calcutta, India in 1930, Sylvia moved to England at 16 and later emigrated to New Zealand in 1952 under the immigration scheme of the time. After settling in Ōtorohanga in 1960, she worked at Ōtorohanga College in the administration office until her retirement in 1990. She later volunteered at the Citizens Advice Bureau (now Ōtorohanga Support House), where she was fondly known as the "In-House Poet".

Her book, The Way Words Live - A Collection of Writings, is available to read at the Ōtorohanga Library.

WALK SOFTLY

by Sylvia Beveridge

Walk softly,

Not with stealth or wealth

To use, abuse, confuse.

Wear moccasins, not hobnail boots

Which clatter loudly, stamp on roots

Of dreams, of hope and love.

Walk softly,

Use a feather's touch.

My world is lacking oh so much

In gentleness and understanding

Of another’s need to overcome

The days of darkness with Sun.

Walk softly,

On the given path

Of those who find it hard to laugh,

Who stand in shade

And are afraid

Of meeting a new tomorrow

O walk softly!

Sylvia’s poem is now live on The Poets Billboard, where it will remain for four months, a gentle reminder to all of us to tread with care, compassion, and kindness.

WANT TO BE PART OF THIS PROJECT?

We’re now inviting all to participate in The Poets Billboard!

To sign up, simply email:

[email protected]

Let’s celebrate creativity - young and old - and fill our main street with words that matter.