‘Bombing of Poems’ Showers Rotterdam With Words of Peace and Beauty
On May 14, something magical occurred at Rotterdam’s Binnenrotte square. A helicopter hovered above the city, releasing 100,000 poems printed on bookmarks that drifted through the sky like snow. For a full hour, anyone below could catch a poem, tuck it into a pocket, and share it online.
The event called the “Bombing of Poems” was created by the Chilean art collective Casagrande and hosted by Poetry International as a lead-up to its June festival. The date was no accident ? 85 years ago, bombs destroyed much of Rotterdam during World War II. This time, words replaced weapons.
The poems came from 50 Dutch-speaking and 50 Chilean poets. Each bookmark featured a poem in both the original language and in Dutch or Spanish translation, reminding readers that poetry can cross borders and connect cultures.
“Bombing of Poems” has traveled to other cities devastated by war, including Madrid, London, Berlin, Milan, and Warsaw. Its message is simple: beauty and peace can rise from even the darkest parts of history.
Even days after the event, people can find poems taped to bike baskets, stuck in cafe windows, or floating in Rotterdam’s canals. Each one offers a quiet moment of reflection ? and a reminder that poetry, like hope, can fall from the sky when we least expect it.
Whether you’re a visitor or a local, picking up one of these poems might brighten your day ? and connect you to a global conversation about healing through art.
May For The Teen Times teen/1749001266/1613367697
1. What was dropped from the helicopter?
2. What did the bookmarks have on them?
3. Why was this event held in Rotterdam?
4. Where could people find poems after the event?
1. Do you like reading poems?
2. Do you think poems can bring peace?
3. Can poems help people feel better?
4. Would you join a poetry event like this?
On May 14, something magical occurred at Rotterdam’s Binnenrotte square. A helicopter hovered above the city, releasing 100,000 poems printed on bookmarks that drifted through the sky like snow. For a full hour, anyone below could catch a poem, tuck it into a pocket, and share it online.
“Bombing of Poems” has traveled to other cities devastated by war, including Madrid, London, Berlin, Milan, and Warsaw. Its message is simple: beauty and peace can rise from even the darkest parts of history.
