2025 RRU Springtastic Poetry contest

On this World Poetry Day and International Day of Forests, we celebrate the power of poetry to reveal the landscapes around us and within us.

This year’s Springtastic Poetry Contest invited our community to reflect on the theme of forests and trees, and the response was remarkable. Thank you to everyone who shared their words — we are fortunate to have such a creative and talented community at Royal Roads.

Thank you again to our three judges, resident poets Ali Blythe, Apurba Joshi, and Erin Limacher. And to everyone who entered — your words remind us that poetry is a way to see and shape the world.

I’m delighted to announce this year’s winning poets.

Winning poets in three categories

RRU students 

Ifrit Tanzeem Kristy (MA in Intercultural & International Communication) for “Roots”

RRU staff, faculty and contractors

Bojie Yang (Student Engagement Assistant and MA in Environment & Management) for “Longing Forest” 

RRU alumni and community

Lorne Braun (MA in Conflict Analysis Management) for “Oasis of No Trees”

You can see last year's winner here.