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In Spanish, "colibrí" (with an accent on the 'i') means hummingbird. The term "calibri" (without an accent) is the name of the font. The font's name does not directly derive from the Spanish word for hummingbird, but rather was one of several names suggested by the designer that started with the letter C. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, a Hispanic American, has ordered a return to the Times New Roman font for official diplomatic documents, reversing a previous directive to use Calibri. He stated that the prior administration's shift to Calibri was part of "misguided diversity, equity and inclusion policies." Calibri, sometimes described as soft and modern, is typically considered more accessible more accessible for people with reading challenges thanks to its simpler shapes and wider spacing, which make its letters easier to distinguish. Photo: Ensamble Folclórico Colibrí. |
Beware woke typeface—
Calibri, with its easy round
appeal, its flaunting legibility,
degrading inclusivity,
has no place here.
Welcome back
Times New Roman’s
erect formality
meant for clearer eyes,
a traditional font
befitting conventions,
administrative virility
and dignity of office.
To curtail distraction
by over-shapely texts,
a topographical mandate
spells a return to type.
Pamela Kenley-Meschino is originally from the UK, where she developed a love of nature, poetry, and music, thanks in part to the influence of her Irish mother. Her poetry has appeared in Literal Latté, Bards Annual anthologies, The New Verse News, The Stafford Challenge Anthology, Verse Virtual, and has been featured on WNYC’s 2025 poetry month presentations. She is an educator whose classes explore the connection between writing and healing, as well as the importance of shared stories.
