When Joan Bell was growing up on a farm near Leask, Sask., poetry was part of her language.

“My mom and dad loved poetry and for some reason, and this isn’t often the case, they both knew an immense library of poetry,” she said.

“They loved using bit and pieces of poetry to emphasise a point, making conversation more meaningful and I think it certainly transferred to every member of the family because all eight of us love to write or recite poetry.”

Bell has been writing poetry her entire life and currently writes songs as well as a member of the Saskatoon Raging Grannies. On Wednesday, Dec. 14 she will be reading excerpts from her newest book of poems, The Power of Poetry, at the John M. Cuelenaere Public Library.

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