Where words speak

Produced by Mabaindu Mbawa

Edited and filmed by Courtney Sipila

Published on April 7, 2026

Linda Conroy, a 79-year-old British Bellingham poet, talks about poetry as a form of language and shares poems that reflect her experiences and background. She guides a poetry group where participants read, share ideas, learn and bond. Beyond serving as a form of expression, Conroy demonstrates through her readings how she uses poetry to convey emotions, imagery and meaning beyond everyday language. 

Jane Wong, a Western Washington University poetry professor, said that poetry allows writers to connect with audiences on a deeper level, functioning as a first language for some.

“I think children are the genius poets,” Wong said. “They are the ones that say the wildest things; their imaginations are incredible. As we grow up, we are taught, ‘that’s lying, that’s not true.’ As we grow up, all the poetry is gone. So poetry is a first language because it often is the language of imagination, and that is what children do naturally.”