April is National Poetry Month. According to The Academy of American Poets, National Poetry Month was launched in April 1996 as a celebration of poets’ integral role in American culture and a celebration of the importance of poetry in our lives. Over the past 28 years, National Poetry Month has become the largest literary celebration in the world as teachers, students, librarians, poets, writers, and artists create and enjoy poetry in a multitude of ways. Learn more about National Poetry Month at https://poets.org/national-poetry-month.
To help you get into poetry and enjoy National Poetry Month, here are some suggestions:
- Participate in “Poem in Your Pocket Day” on April 18, 2024. Click here for ideas on how to take part.
- Read selections from a book of poetry. How about starting with an anthology or two to find some poets you enjoy:
Read selections from a book of poetry. How about starting with an anthology or two to find some poets you enjoy:
Americans’ Favorite Poems Edited by Robert Pinsky and Maggie Dietz
“A collection of 200 poems by such authors as Margaret Atwood, Elizabeth Barrett Browning and John Keats, with comments by those Americans who chose them as their favorites.
The Poets Laureate Anthology Edited by Elizabeth H. Schmidt
“Poems by each of the forty-three poets who have been named our nation’s Poet Laureate since the post (originally called Consultant in Poetry to the Library of Congress) was established in 1937.”
The Poets Laureate Anthology Edited by Elizabeth H. Schmidt
“In 600 poems by 145 authors, this book gives a cross-section of black American poetry writing in the twentieth century.”
“A powerful, moving anthology that celebrates the breadth of Native poets writing today. Joy Harjo, the first Native poet to serve as U.S. Poet Laureate, has championed the voices of Native peoples past and present. Her signature laureate project gathers the work of contemporary Native poets into a national, fully digital map of story, sound, and space, celebrating their vital and unequivocal contributions to American poetry. This companion anthology features each poem and poet from the project to offer readers a chance to hold the wealth of poems in their hands. With work from Natalie Diaz, Ray Young Bear, Craig Santos Perez, Sherwin Bitsui, Layli Long Soldier, among others, Living Nations, Living Words showcases, as Joy Harjo writes in her stirring introduction, “poetry [that] emerges from the soul of a community, the heart and lands of the people. In this country, poetry is rooted in the more than 500 living indigenous nations. Living Nations, Living Words is a representative offering.”
Try some recent publications:
Call Us What We Carry by Amanda Gorman
“Gorman explores history, language, identity, and erasure through an imaginative and intimate collage. Harnessing the collective grief of a global pandemic, her poems shine a light on a moment of reckoning and reveal that Gorman has become a messenger from the past, our voice for the future. The final poem in the book is “The hill we climb”, which was read at President Joseph Biden’s 2021 inauguration.”
Also available in large print, as an E-book, and in an E-Audio version
“James Crews, editor of the best-selling poetry anthologies, “How to Love the World and The Path to Kindness,” presents an all-new collection of highly accessible, uplifting poetry celebrating the small wonders and peaceful moments of everyday life. Featuring a foreword by Nikita Gill and a diverse range of contemporary poets, including Andrea Potos, Joseph Bruchac, Julia Alvarez, Ross Gay, Ada Limon, Natalie Goldberg, Rudy Francisco, Li-Young Lee, Kimberly Blaeser, Naomi Shihab Nye, Mark Nepo, and more.”
100 Poems That Matter: Academy of American Poets Edited by Patty Rice
“100 Poems That Matter examines universal themes of love, loss, and the experiences that define us. At turns moving, thoughtful, and thrilling, “100 Poems That Matter” feeds into the connections we all have to poetry and encourages us to bring a deeper sense of honesty into our lives. Featured poets include Emily Brontë, E.E. Cummings, Kahlil Gibran, Audre Lorde, and Emily Dickinson.”
And don’t forget local authors:
Rooted in Human: Stories and Poems by Kate Sine
“What does it take to be human, and why does it hurt to have a soul? Rooted in Human is a collection of characters from poems and stories, who are dealing with different aspects of life. In this book, you will meet Lady Death, a witch, a Scribe, a few mythological beings, and just normal people. Where are you rooted? Find your place in Kate M. Sine’s debut book, Rooted in Human. [Summary taken from Amazon.com]
Twilight to Son Shine: Poetry and Photographs by Jim McDonald
“Twilight to son shine, the first of the “Thoughts into Poetry” series, invites you to see life at the waterline by taking an intimate journey with Jim from hope to despair, into and out of depression, and back to hope again.”
I Can Hear You Better with my Glasses On! By Mildred Stokes
“When many prefer to stay in the box neatly tucked away, Mildred chooses to think out, and out loud. “I Can Hear You Better With My Glasses On!” is a poetic roller coaster ride across a tapestry of jewel findings. Take in the surroundings and discover what the author found was simply too exhilarating to keep to herself! Treasures will bring laughter when it’s needed and pause when you have to. Get ready to explore—aspiring poets, writers and everyday discerning folk—you who are simply up and ready for something refreshing. Imaginative, creatively expressed, clean spoken entertainment has unfolded. And you’re invited, guests of honor!” [Summary taken from Amazon.com]
Enjoy finding poets who resonate with the thoughts and feelings of your soul. Who knows, maybe you’ll even try your hand at writing a poem or two sometime during National Poetry Month.
