McCarthy Place residents explore memories and creativity through new poetry circle

Seniors participate in a poetry circle at McCarthy Place Retirement Residence led by Stratford Poet Laureate David Stones.

Stratford Poet Laureate David Stones has recently started a new initiative for residents at McCarthy Place Retirement Residence, where poetry aims to bring together shared experiences and memories from the past.

The launch of Poetry Circle sessions aims to bring participants together on a monthly basis to share and perform original poems, or to perform favourite poems that have been enjoyed and remembered over the years.

“We all carry so many stories deep within us,” said Stones. “In fact, as we get a little older we become garments woven of the stories and experiences that make us who we are. Poetry is the perfect medium of self-expression to record these stories, to convey our emotions and to announce ourselves to the world. It’s creative, freeing and a beautiful form of artistic release.”

The collaboration comes after Stones’ appointment as poet laureate in 2025. Since then, Stones has worked to promote poetry and literary arts within Stratford. He has worked with people of every age and is now helping seniors connect with their artistic side through poetry.

“We’re gonna have some fun with this,” Stones said. “With my children’s poetry series performed for kindergarten to Grade 6, coupled with my high school poetry workshops undertaken with the Youth Poet Laureate, along with my community poetry initiatives, shows and open mics, we’ve pretty well got the full scope of age demographics covered.”

The collaboration was a welcomed offer, said Stephanie Schmidt, McCarthy Place senior health and wellness director, who has already noticed the impact the poetry circle is having.

“We’re thrilled to welcome David as our Poetry Circle leader,” she said. “This group offers our residents a meaningful outlet for creativity and connection. Through poetry, residents can reflect on memories and share life experiences. Poetry can be both therapeutic and empowering, helping our seniors build confidence, celebrate their voices and find joy in creativity at any stage of life.”

Stones aims to continue this venture at McCarthy Place by offering monthly poetry circles. The first session saw eight attendees, and since then, word has spread and he expects more at his June session, where love is the main topic.

“Our June topic is love and I’m encouraging them to write something original on the theme of love, or to dredge from their files or memory something they remember on the topic of love,” he said. “I’ve chosen very simple themes and there is so much about love.”

Although the McCarthy Place poetry circle is the first of its kind in Stratford, Stones says he is looking at expanding the concept to other retirement residences in the community to help seniors connect with poetry and past lived experiences.

The McCarthy Place Poetry Circle will meet on the third Tuesday of every month from 1:30-3 p.m., with residents encouraged to attend with an original poem or their favourite piece to share with the group.