Poetry collection launch on campus

Stack of maroon "The Poetry Garden" books on a table with decorative flower petals scattered around, creating an artistic and inviting ambiance.

Recently, Richmond’s Book Club and Genders and Sexualities Alliance (GSA) hosted a poetry workshop to launch Richmond student Viktoria Renee’s debut poetry book, The Poetry Garden, where attendees were able to get creative themselves!

Renee is a BA Psychology student at Richmond. A stellar collection of deeply personal poetry compiled over the years, the collection contains themes of love, loss, youth, growing up and the queer experience.

Attendees had the option of snacking on sweet treats, biscuits and beverages while they crafted their own poems (all wearing flower crowns!). To get the creativity flowing, the clubs had arranged for mandala colouring, cut words out for arbitrary construction, and printed text for block poetry. There was also the option of writing free-style. Participants were allowed to take their time to write their poems and encouraged to read their final creations to the rest of the group.

A page with blue-out text, highlighting words like "hesitation," "concern," and "grief" alongside green painted vines. Page marked "40."

A colorful mandala design with magnetic poetry words arranged to form a whimsical sentence about a cat in the night.

The workshop was followed by Renee reciting her poetry, explaining the inspiration and meaning behind the collection. Poems with the themes of childhood and growing up are included in the ‘Grass’ section of the book, whereas the themes of love and loss are under the ‘Flowers’ section. She told us, “I wanted it to be nature-themed and I felt that grass best represented the experience of moving from childhood to adulthood and [that] flowers represent the people and things you love.” One of the first poems she read best encompasses all the themes in the book:

“it is messy
always greener on the other side
but this is what you’re made of
this is who you are
this is the grass”

This particular poem talks about how people will always compare themselves to others and belittle themselves, and that life is imperfect but is important to stay true to yourself while constantly striving to grow and learn. Renee also revealed that she is already working on a new book and that “this [poetry] feels like more than a hobby.”

Seven people standing indoors, in front of a screen displaying "Poetry Garden." Floral decorations and casual attire create a relaxed atmosphere.

The book is independently published and available on Amazon here.

Many congratulations to Viktoria Renee on her accomplishment and we look forward to more exemplary work from her!