Vivimarie VanderPoorten and her words of magic that inspire

10 March 2020 10:47 am Words : Mandulee Mendis Photos : Rushiru Tharanga Aristotle says that poetry is finer and more philosophical than history, for poetry expresses the universal, and history only the particular. The magic of poetry however is that even when speaking of the particular, it has the power to make it universal. That is why the words of a poet have the power to change the thought system of the society, and that is why the efforts of those who use language to make this society a better place, become significant. The admirable role played by women in this attempt, especially in fighting for gender equity an equality, make being a woman, a pride for each one of us. Vivimarie VanderPoorten is one such inspirational woman who speaks for women and women’s issues. She is a poet and a Senior Lecturer in English. Her first book of poems ‘nothing prepares you’ won the 2007 Gratiaen Prize, and her second book of poems ‘Stitch your Eyelids Shut’ was a joint winner of the State Literary Award in 2011. ‘Borrowed Dust’, her third book of poems was shortlisted for the 2016 Gratiaen Prize. She was also awarded the 2009 SAARC Poetry Award. She has served on the panels of judges for various competitions such as Gratiaen Prize, State Literary Award, The National Fairway Literary Award etc. She was recently invited to be on the panel of judges for an international poetry competition, Wingword Poetry Competition. This Women’s Day, as we celebrate inspirational women from diverse walks of life, Lanka Woman takes pride in featuring Vivimarie VanderPoorten. Please click on the link below to read full article.,

https://www.magzter.com/LK/Wijeya-Newspapers-Ltd./Lanka-Woman/Women’s-Interest/