Transport for London (TfL) has launched a new winter collection of Poems on the Underground, with verse now on display across London Underground, London Overground and Elizabeth line trains.
The long-running series, which turns daily commutes into moments of literary reflection, is marking 40 years.
Justine Simons, deputy mayor for culture and the creative industries, said: “Covent Garden is a wonderful setting for our ongoing celebration of Poems on the Underground’s 40th anniversary.
“The readings bring together international and contemporary work which reflects London’s diversity with poems that help us dwell on the magic of everyday moments.
“The poems can be seen on display across the network for all to enjoy, as we continue to build a better London for everyone.”
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Poems on the Underground (Image: Wikimedia Commons)
Live poetry readings will be held at Covent Garden station at 11am on Thursday, February 12, featuring poets Blake Morrison and Jason Salkey.
The new collection includes works by both British and international writers.
Blake Morrison’s piece, titled Narcissus, reimagines the Greek myth in a modern urban context.
Jonathan Davidson’s A Short Piece of Choral Music offers a reflection on the comfort found in family through a quiet kitchen scene.
Other featured poems include Da Capo by Jane Hirshfield, which explores themes of renewal; a haiku by Kobayashi Issa, accompanied by calligraphy from Yukki Yaura; Syzygy by Rachael Boast and Myopic Painter by Romanian poet Mircea Dinescu, translated by Adam J. Sorkin and Lidia Vianu.
Mark Evers, who oversees customer insight, strategy & experience at TfL, said: “This latest collection of Poems on the Underground beautifully captures those quiet, profound moments that occur even in the middle of a busy commute.
“We hope our customers enjoy these latest set of poems and our 40th anniversary celebrations throughout the year.”
TfL is also continuing the expansion of the project beyond train carriages, displaying poems at Heathrow, Seven Sisters, St John’s Wood and Westminster stations.
A free “40 Poems for 40 Years” leaflet will also be released at stations across the network.
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