Boston's Sidewalk Poetry Can Only Be Seen When it Rains

Posted on May 24, 2016

There are some poems hidden on the sidewalks of Boston. The poetry only shows up after it has rained. The poems are part of an art installation called "Raining Poetry."

Raining Poetry is a collaboration between Mass Poetry and the city of Boston. The project started in April 1st for National Poetry Month.

Smithsonian Magazine reports that the poems are creating using stencils and a water-repellant spray. TreeHugger says the spray is a substance called Rainworks, which is non-toxic and biodegradable. On a dry sunny day you won't see the poetry at all but once it starts raining the poems appear. The poems will last for about 2 to 4 months.

The first four poems selected for the project are by poets Langston Hughes, Elizabeth McKim, Barbara Helfgott Hyett, and Gary Duehr. They were selected by Boston Poet Laureate Danielle Georges. It is a fun idea that should cheer up and inspire Boston residents on a rainy day. Here is a video that shows a poem being revealed when the sidewalk gets wet. Take a look: