Key Biscayne residents are being invited to turn their love of the island into poetry as part of a community-wide creative effort tied to national poetry month.
The Key Biscayne Poetry Share program, founded three years ago by resident Debbie Wanninkhof, is encouraging locals, from students, families, businesses and community groups, to participate in the annual “ZipOde” contest organized by O, Miami, the area’s largest poetry platform.
Now in its 12th year, the ZipOde contest invites participants to write short, structured poems inspired by their ZIP code, in this case, 33149, highlighting what makes their community unique.
“A ZipOde is a fun, structured poem inspired by our ZIP code, perfect for capturing what makes Key Biscayne special,” said Wanninkhof, who also said it’s an opportunity to “celebrate our island’s beauty, culture and community through your own poetic voice.”
Participants can draw inspiration from everyday life on the island, from its beaches and parks to the community center and personal experiences that reflect the spirit of Key Biscayne.
The initiative is part of O, Miami’s broader mission to ensure that “everyone experiences poetry” during April. The organization’s ZipOdes have been featured on WLRN and showcased at events such as the annual ZipOde Fest at Vizcaya.
Locally, Wanninkhof says those interested in participating, can take advantage of in-person writing opportunities at the Key Biscayne Community Center, where she will be ready to help over the coming weeks. You can email Wanninkhof at debbiewpoetry@gmail.com to find out her schedule.
Residents can also submit their ZipOde through O, Miami’s website and are encouraged to share their entries with the local poetry share group. Community groups interested in hosting their own workshops can request a visit from organizers.
Selected poems will be featured publicly, including on WLRN, and highlighted during the ZipOde finale event at Vizcaya on April 29.
The deadline for submitting your ZipOde is Saturday, April 25.
Wanninkhof hopes for a strong showing from the island, adding, “we want Key Biscayne to shine the 33149.”