The Story

Inspired by my experience with Writers in the School (WITS), a nonprofit which seeks to connect children and youth with professional writers and spoken word artists, I have founded Cento as a poet who wishes to bring the joy and power of storytelling/creative expression to my local community. Poetry allows us, as individuals, to comment on the greatest universal truths at the core of humanity, while also describing the quietest, most delicate and unique human experiences in our own creative way.  I am grateful that poetry has allowed me to retell experiences in ways that feel more intimate. Whenever I engage with poetry, I always leave the room with a slightly altered understanding of language—and an enhanced appreciation for poetic subjectivity. While understanding a poem’s true intent sometimes feels impossible, I also enjoy being left to constantly wonder. Everyone deserves such an experience and I want to give it to them.

— Kaviya Dhir, Founder & President