The GOLD Poetry Project invites older adults (55 yrs+) across Canada to share original poems that reveal the layered, honest realities of aging: the joys, the struggles, and everything in between. GOLD stands for Growing Older, Living Deeply, highlighting that aging isn't just about getting older, but continuing to evolve, express, create, and live with meaning and depth at every stage of life.

Every few months, we release a new themed call for poems, each focusing on a different part of the aging experience. Through these themes, we aim to shift the way aging is understood and valued in our society. Whether you've written poetry for years or are trying it for the first time, we welcome your perspective!

CURRENT CALL: POEMS ON PLACE & BELONGING

For this submission, we're inviting poems that explore how aging connects to ideas of home, community, the environment, and belonging. Your poem might explore:

1. The comfort or challenge of aging at home or other places
2. Feeling connected or isolated
3. How housing, neighborhoods, or public spaces shape aging experiences
4. What it's like to age in a new country or culture

Your poem must connect to this theme in some way to be considered.

ELIGIBILITY:

In order to submit a poem to us, you must:

1. Be 55 years or older
2. Live in Canada
3. Submit your own, original work that has not been published elsewhere

No previous writing experience is needed! All styles of poetry are welcome (except centos) as long as they follow the guidelines below. Your poem must be your own original work (not copied from articles, books, or other sources). You may include a famous quote or phrase with appropriate credit if it supports your poem, but the majority of your poem should be in your own words.

POEM GUIDELINES:

Your poem must meet ALL of the criteria below:

1. Length: Max 20 lines (excluding title, but including stanza breaks)
2. Line limit: Max 10 words per line
3. One poem per person per theme
4. Must relate to the theme of Place & Belonging

If your poem doesn't meet the guidelines above, we won't be able to accept it.

JUDGING CRITERIA:

Our committee will be judging the poems based on the following criteria:

1. Creativity & Originality: To what extent does the poem demonstrate a distinctive voice and perspective, using fresh and imaginative language that captures attention and stands out?
2. Emotional or Intellectual Impact: To what extent does the poem resonate with the reader, provoke reflection, or leave a lasting impression through emotion, insight, or thoughtful ideas?
3. Clarity & Craft: To what extent is the poem skillfully crafted, with structure, flow, and word choice that enhance its meaning and overall impact?

Selected poems will be published in an anthology and featured on our website and Instagram (@theagecollective). Alongside your poem, we will include your first and last name (or an alias), age, and location (city and province/territory).

If someone is unable to submit a poem themselves due to accessibility or other challenges, we encourage another person (e.g., family member, staff) to submit it on their behalf. Please help us spread the word so that everyone who wants to participate has the chance to share their voice.

Need some inspiration? Check out last year's winners for the theme of Self & Identity here.

If you have any questions, please contact us at info@theagecollective.com.

DEADLINE:

Submit your poem by October 1st, 2025 11:59 PM ET

You will be notified of the results by the end of October.