Award-winning poet Cynthia Sharp will visit the qathet region for the first time to present her latest poetry collection, Ordinary Light, on Friday, April 4, at Powell River Public Library. Her work, inspired by nature and environmental themes, reflects both celebration and concern for the world around us.
Sharp first conceived the idea for Ordinary Light in 2017 during one of Vancouver’s worst fire seasons. “For 11 days, we had the worst air quality on Earth,” she recalled. “I just wanted to see an ordinary blue sky, an ordinary yellow sun, and ordinary white clouds again. That’s where the title came from.”
Dubbed the “Mary Oliver of Canada” for her meditative and nature-focused poetry, Sharp remains humble and joyful, always finding beauty in the world despite its challenges.
“I’ve been writing poetry since childhood,” she shared. “About 10 or 15 years ago, I thought, ‘I should start publishing.’” Encouraged by positive feedback from a small poetry contest, she pursued a career in poetry, focusing on themes of nature, mindfulness, and appreciation for life’s simple moments.
While most of her poems celebrate the natural world, Ordinary Light carries a more somber tone in places, reflecting the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. “During the lockdown, I had more time to slow down, take long walks, and truly observe the world around me,” she said. “I noticed the mushrooms, the maple leaves, the sunflowers my neighbor planted. Those small moments became part of my poetry.”
Her collection also includes personal reflections, such as memories of her grandmother and scenes from her Vancouver neighborhood. “A little three-year-old across the street got a new umbrella and was twirling around in the sunshine,” she recalled. “She looked so peaceful and happy. I also loved watching my neighbor’s garden expand as the pandemic went on.”
In her book’s foreword, Sharp emphasizes the importance of protecting the environment. “We live in a complex decade where there is still time,” she writes. “What matters most is embracing the challenge to live simply and responsibly.”
As an advocate for sustainability, Sharp considers herself both an eco-poet and a nature poet. “I care deeply about the environment, but I also focus on hope and joy,” she explained. “At the library, I’ll read poems that bring peace and celebrate the beauty of where we live.”
As part of her presentation, Sharp will distribute eco-friendly seed paper. “At the end of the reading, everyone can write something small they are doing to help the environment—planting bee-friendly flowers, growing food, or sharing something they’re grateful for,” she said. “Then, they can plant their goal or dream in their garden.”
Following her visit to Powell River, Sharp will travel to Yukon, continuing her journey to share poetry and inspire communities. “I love visiting different places and seeing people come together through art,” she said.
The event at Powell River Public Library will begin at 5 p.m. and is open to the public.
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