Poetic justice will be served with punch and cookies on Saturday afternoon as children and teenagers show off their creativity and poetry in an all out poetry slam.

Exhibiting writing in a creative way, the Mississippi Writers’ Guild is hosting a Poetry Slam on Saturday at 4 p.m. at the Scottish Rites Building in downtown Meridian.

Ann McKee, executive director of the Mississippi Writers’ Guild, said as a state-wide non-profit organization, their goal is to promote writing among Mississippi’s youth to carry on the rich history the state is known for.

“We want to light a fire in our children and show them the creative side of writing,” said McKee.

McKee said the poetry slam on Saturday would be open to the public without charge and would have guests from all over Mississippi.

The recitation is open to students from third to 12th grade beginning with the youngest poets first. Each child is limited to three poems each and everyone is encouraged to participate.

Richelle Putnam, president of the Guild, said the group is trying to provide a platform for the youth.

“It’s just for them,” said Putnam. Putnam said they are trying to encourage the youth of Meridian that writing is an art form, worth pursuing and to let them realize just how fun it can be.

Putnam said the program has received limited participation by local schools but Lamar High School has jumped on board.

Cathy Stone, an English instructor at Lamar, said the school will be hosting its school competition on Wednesday and from this competition the school will send one representative to the state competition later in the month.

Stone said the school is already making plans for next year and is excited to be a part of the program.

Encouraging kids to come out and not to feel intimidated, McKee said the day should be fun and low key with no pressure on its participants.