Journalist Aurora Vélez: Start Writing Poetry Today
A Euronews reporter who publishes poetry in two languages says there's never been a better time to start writing. On World Poetry Day, she shares why poetry is thriving among young people and how anyone can begin their own practice.
Aurora Vélez spends her days reporting on innovative European projects, but her evenings belong to poetry.
The Bilbao-born journalist has published four poetry collections and writes daily in both Spanish and French. Her latest bilingual book "Errante" explores intimate themes that cross borders and languages.
Vélez's journey started young when her great-uncle recited poetry to the family. "That is how poetry entered my life, when I was a child, through his voice," she says.
At 20, after attending weekly workshops with Spanish poet Ramiro Pinilla, she published her first collection. She hasn't stopped writing since.
Now she's noticing something encouraging. Poetry is having a moment with young people again.
After the COVID pandemic, Vélez watched poetry expand beyond the page into music, TikTok videos, and Instagram posts. Young poets are breaking traditional rules and making the art form more expressive and accessible.
"Poetry is young: it is rap, it is on TikTok and Instagram," she says. When she has time during filming, she records herself reading favorite living poets in several languages.
The rise of AI doesn't worry her. She's intrigued instead.
"Artificial intelligence is devoid of emotional consciousness. It knows nothing of love, loss, grief," Vélez explains. For her, poetry connects to the deepest part of human experience that machines can't replicate.
Why This Inspires
Vélez practices what she preaches about accessibility. She writes in multiple languages and champions oral traditions that keep endangered languages alive through spoken word.
Her message for World Poetry Day is simple and welcoming. If you have something to say, write it down.
Use paper or your smartphone. Write whenever you can, wherever you are. No one is judging you.
"One day what you write will almost not feel as if you are the one writing it, because you will be connected to something else," she promises.
In times of uncertainty, Vélez believes poetry matters more than ever. Don't just keep your words to yourself.
Offer them to the world.
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Based on reporting by Euronews
This story was written by BrightWire based on verified news reports.
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