livewords welcomes David Day, Bill Howell and Rod Weatherbie on Thursday February 25 at the Black Swan, 154 Danforth Avenue, just east of Broadview (map). Readings commence at 8 p.m.

+ The Open Mic Sonnet Smackdown – yes damn it – a sonnet fight-to-the death, well not death surely. No a contest for cash and bragging rights.

Choose your weapon:

• 1 Italian (Petrarchan) sonnet
• 2 Occitan sonnet
• 3 English (Shakespearean) sonnet
• 4 Spenserian sonnet
• 5 Modern sonnet