Poems in Passage
In February 2025, Poems in Passage returns to TTC buses, streetcars, and trains across Toronto, featuring Margaret Atwood in support of War Child. This initiative transforms daily commutes into moments of reflection through poetry from global icons and emerging voices.
Margaret’s contribution, The Disasters of War: A Sequel (excerpt) speaks to the senselessness of war and will be seen alongside other globally recognized writers including Rupi Kaur, and Mustafa, as well as emerging local voices.
Poems in Passage launched in early 2024 after childhood best friends Latif Murji and Addesse Haile wondered what happened to “Poetry on the Way”, a beloved public art project they had grown up with, which was mysteriously suspended in 2012 after 14 years on the TTC. Their shared passion project revives public poetry in Toronto, embedding creativity and empathy into everyday life.
Margaret Atwood highlights poetry’s ability to quietly change how we see the world, adding that “poetry is one of the most ancient forms of expression we know. It is at the heart of our human being.”
The Disasters of War: A Sequel (excerpt), a powerful anti-war poem (in support of War Child Canada), by Margaret Atwood.
War Child + Margaret Atwood
War Child Honours Margaret Atwood: Changemaker Award Recipient
Margaret Atwood once said, “A word after a word after a word is power.” Her work proves that literature is more than storytelling—it is a force for change. Through her powerful narratives, she challenges us to think critically, fostering connection, empathy, and action.
As the renowned author of over 50 books, including The Handmaid’s Tale and The Testaments, Atwood has sparked global conversations on women’s rights, environmentalism, and the future of our world. Her work amplifies women’s voices and highlights literature as a tool for empowerment.
Philosopher Hannah Arendt wrote, “It is when the experience of powerlessness is at its most acute… that the determination to think like a human being matters most.” Atwood embodies this spirit, using her words to inspire courage, creativity, and change.
War Child honoured her with the 2024 Changemaker Award for her lasting impact on literature and society.
