In celebration of National Poetry Month, we are featuring poetry and photos written and taken by youth at Britannia Elementary in Vancouver and across Canada. Youth at Britannia participated in a week long LEAD program in January 2026, supported by a CLICK grant, where their art and artfulness was captured. Enjoy celebrating their voices with us. This first submission was written by Cece.
Rarely Sleeping
I am from a city which rarely sleeps
From thousands of minds confuzzling through the roads
From busses blazing across The Drive picking up, dropping off
I am from a community of diversity
From new smiles and twinkly eyes
From every kind of personality piecing together to make up our society
I am from East Vancouver
-Cece K, Gr 7
This photo explores how busy East Van truly is. There’s a million things buzzing at once giving one the ability to do what they need without a wave of embarrassment. I waited for a bus to come into the frame to get this shot. I feel that Bus 20 is a vital source of transportation in Vancouver, and needed to include it in my photo. I hope one takes from this photo that East Vancouver is part of a productive, welcoming, and working city.