The Wjerspegelje-poems are now displayed at more than 200 locations in the hospitality sector, libraries, schools, and town halls of Friesland. This makes the project of Leeuwarden UNESCO City of Literature and Merk Fryslân—decidedly—a success.
The kick-off in January and the expansion to 96 more locations in April were special moments. With the achievement of the latest milestone and the completion of the project, Wjerspegelje once again deserved extra attention during the Verhalenavond on Friday 26 November in Tresoar, where various Frisian poets recited their Wjerspegelje-poems. The video compilation completes the project.
Wjerspegelje
28 Frisian poets wrote fifty Frisian-language poems for Wjerspegelje, which can now be seen on mirrors in toilets in more than 200 locations. During the twenty seconds it takes to wash your hands properly, you can read a Frisian poem. The Dutch translation of the poem can also be read with the QR code on the mirror. Wjerspegelje is a project of Leeuwarden UNESCO City of Literature and Merk Fryslân, after Zwolle’s example (weerspiegelen.nl) and with the support of the province of Fryslân. The poems will remain on display for the time being. The locations can be found at friesland.nl/wjerspegelje.
Language of the heart
Due to the covid measures, the Verhalenavond did not take place this year in living rooms, but at twenty more spacious locations. With the theme ‘Language of the Heart,’ it turned out to be a very personal evening. Poets Arjan Hut, Neeltje Bonnema, Sannemaj Betten and Joël Hut recited their Wjerspegelje-poems in Tresoar. Sannemaj says about this: “’Language of my heart’ is important to me because as a poet I put a piece of ‘heart’ in every piece of ‘language’. The language of my heart is a mixture of Dutch, Frisian, Bildts, and Dyslexic. I contributed to Wjerspegelje because I see it as my mission to bring poetry more to the people. While washing your hands after a visit to the toilet—it’s a wonderful way to do this.”
