Neil Surkan, Nanaimo’s newly appointed poet laureate for 2024-2026, views his role as a way to deepen his connection with the city. Having moved to Nanaimo in 2021 with his family to teach English at Vancouver Island University, Surkan is still finding his place in the community. He sees this position as an opportunity to step beyond his usual routine of work, home, and parenting.
Surkan said, “I love being here. I love this teaching role, but I just wanted to be a little more community-facing. The community here feels really strong, and I wanted to go beyond those bounds a little bit.”
Nanaimo Mayor Leonard Krog welcomed Surkan’s appointment, noting his passion and experience. “The extraordinary talent our newest poet laureate brings will inspire the community and enrich our cultural lives,” Krog said.
In an interview with Surkan at his office, we discussed his poetry, his inspirations, and his plans as the city’s poet laureate.
Poetry as an “Event in Language”
When asked about his work, Surkan explained his view of poetry as an “event in language.” Drawing on poet Ben Lerner’s idea, Surkan described a poem as a moment that begins and ends with words, reflecting the fragility and complexity of communication.
For Surkan, poetry explores how easy it is for words to be misunderstood and how, despite this, moments of connection can still occur. He gave the example of saying “I love you,” pointing out how the possibility for misinterpretation is high, yet this vulnerability can lead to meaningful connections.
Writing About Nanaimo
Surkan’s writing is already influenced by his surroundings in Nanaimo. He mentioned that the city is making its way into his new manuscript. He enjoys spending time outdoors in Nanaimo, where he finds inspiration in the landscape and casual conversations.
He shared his fondness for local places like Piper’s Lagoon and Moon Rock Bluff near Westwood Lake, saying, “It’s just written on a little piece of cardboard nailed to a tree. I love that place.” Surkan also plans to explore themes related to harbors, both as literal places of refuge and as metaphors for harboring emotions and secrets.
Though he is excited about these themes, Surkan emphasized the importance of remaining open to the creative possibilities in his work, without limiting where the poems might go.
Parenthood and Climate Change in His Poetry
Parenthood has also influenced Surkan’s poetry. He believes that becoming a parent has made him more direct in his writing. He explained that the sense of responsibility for his child has shifted how he uses language and given him a new confidence in his work.
Surkan’s recent poems also address the anxieties surrounding climate change and the sense of precarity in the world. He explained how his role as a parent has made him more conscious of the future and the impact that today’s actions will have on future generations. He reflected on the sense of urgency around environmental issues, mentioning a recent storm that damaged his home as a reminder of the changing climate.
Future Events as Poet Laureate
Looking ahead, Surkan is excited about the possibility of creating a space for reflection before poetry readings. He envisions a workshop or close-reading session where attendees can analyze poems before hearing them read aloud. He hopes this will deepen their understanding of language and its impact on their lives.
Surkan also looks forward to using some of Nanaimo’s beautiful spaces, particularly its libraries, for poetry readings. He believes that these venues can serve as hubs for people to engage with new language and poetry regularly.
The Role of the Arts in the City
For Surkan, the arts are more important than ever. In a rapidly changing world, he believes that artists—poets, musicians, and visual artists—help people to engage with life’s complexities and uncertainties. Through the arts, he feels people can be reminded to reflect on the strange, sometimes difficult, and even scary aspects of life.
Poetry Prompts Around the City
Surkan also plans to engage the community with poetry prompts around Nanaimo. These simple, one-word prompts will encourage people to pause and reflect on their surroundings. Whether it’s a word to describe the sensation of the breeze or a word that captures the essence of a place, Surkan believes these prompts can help people develop a deeper connection with language and the present moment.
He sees reflection as a “radical act” in today’s fast-paced world. In a post-COVID era where time often feels rushed, Surkan believes poetry has the power to slow things down and offer space for reflection.
