The City of Northfield is transforming its sidewalks into poetry — literally. The Sidewalk Poetry Project, launched in 2011, has been imprinting poems into residential sidewalks ever since. Each year, Northfield residents are invited to enter their poetry into a competition. A jury then selects their favorites to be added to the streets. This project is unique in that these poems are coming directly from the community, and then are reintegrated into the physical layout of the town. The product is a circular relationship that has the power to strengthen community bonds and contribute to a more welcoming public space. Since encountering poetry on a sidewalk is not an everyday occurrence, Northfield’s sidewalks provide a welcomed deviation from the typical residential street, inviting passers-by into a moment of unexpected wonder and reflection. These poems not only foster community connection and participation, but they allow for community members to separate themselves from their normal rhythm of life, even if only for a brief moment.