Reading and Writing in Times of Grief

Date: March 31, 2026

Time: 9am – 2:30pm

Location: Cross Common Room (Room 108 St John’s College, University of Manitoba)

In times of great loss, reading and writing can provide shelter. Our gathering will bring together poets and community members (both from the UofM and beyond) to consider how poetry can bring comfort and how writing, as a practice, can help us process losses in our lives. As Francis Weller says in his book, The Wild Edge of Sorrow, processing fundamental loss requires strength, built up “through developing a practice that we sustain over time” (p. 5). Personal writing, a slow process engaged with over months and years, can be one of these practices.

Through the event, we will also introduce a poetry anthology project focusing on love and loss. The goal for the anthology is that it will be a place where established and emerging poets can share their work and where readers will find some comfort or at least understanding. At the event, we will share information about the anthology for individuals who might be interested in contributing.

Morning Panelists

• Charlene Diehl
• Christine Stewart
• Warren Cariou
• Jamie Paris - Facilitator

Morning Poetry Reading

• Duncan Mercredi

Afternoon Poetry Reading

• Kristian Enright
• Melanie Dennis Unrau

What to bring

Consider bringing a short piece of writing (one page or less) that you have read or written to share at the afternoon’s open mic. (Or just come to listen!)