April is National Poetry Month
Posted: Friday, March 27, 2009
by Avis Ward
GeoVi's Home for Pregnant Teens
In honor of these poets, David Pekrul, Rodney Biamby and David Tanguay
Returning a few borrowed books to the branch library in my town this week, I discovered April was National Poetry Month. Having never considered myself a poet, I was completely unaware of this until now.
A curious nature and a love of poetry prompted me to learn more. The observance was inspired by the successful celebrations of Black History Month (February) and Women's History Month (March), and on the advice of teachers and librarians, April seemed the best time within the year to turn attention toward the art of poetry-in an ultimate effort to encourage poetry readership year-round.
Exactly what is National Poetry Month? That answer comes from the Academy of American Poets. National Poetry Month is a month-long, national celebration of poetry established by the Academy of American Poets. "The concept is to widen the attention of individuals and the media-to the art of poetry, to living poets, to our complex poetic heritage, and to poetry books and journals of wide aesthetic range and concern." Their hope is to increase the visibility and availability of poetry in popular culture while acknowledging and celebrating poetry's ability to sustain itself in the many places where it is practiced and appreciated.
The Academy encourages year-long participation and has membership available. Membership has numerous benefits and privileges including listening to audio clips and attending local events. National Poetry Month is just one program provided through the Academy.
The Academy started National Poetry Month in 1996, and has enlisted a variety of government agencies and officials, educational leaders, publishers, sponsors, poets, and arts organizations to help.
If you are interested in participating this year, here are a few ways, as suggested by the Academy:
Read a book of poetry
"Poetry is a response to the daily necessity of getting the world right."
Memorize a poem
"Getting a poem or prose passage truly 'by heart' implies getting it by mind and memory and understanding and delight."
Revisit a poem
"America is a country of second acts, so today, why not brush the dust of these classics and give them a fresh read?"
Put poetry in an unexpected place
"Books should be brought to the doorstep like electricity, or like milk in England: they should be considered utilities."
Bring a poem to your place of worship
"We define poetry as the unofficial view of being, and bringing the art of language in contact with your spiritual practices can deepen both."
Attend a poetry reading
"Readings have been occurring for decades around the world in universities, bookstores, cafes, corner pubs, and coffeehouses."
Play Exquisite Corpse
"Each participant is unaware of what the others have written, thus producing a surprising--sometimes absurd--yet often beautiful poem."
Read a poem at an open mic
"It's a great way to meet other writers in your area and find out about your local writing community."
T. S. Eliot wrote, "April is the cruelest month." Perhaps National Poetry Month will lessen that effect. Edna St. Vincent Millay asked, "To what purpose, April, do you return again?" For National Poetry Month, of course!
To the list above, I recommend taking this month to read the poetry written by the gentlemen for whom this article is honoring. You can find them via a search at SearchWarp or through Google.
2009 by Avis Ward of AWC, LLC
This Article has been viewed 233 times. (Not updated in real-time.)
Top-level comments on this article: (3 total)Thanks so much for this, Avis. I am truly honoured and frankly blown away. Other than mentioning my name among others, you have enlightened me as to what Poetry Month is all about. I hope this will encourage more people to read poetry and maybe even take a try at writing some.Thanks again,David PekrulDavid, it's a pleasure to include you in this honor. You are welcome, indeed. Thank you for reading. It's good to know you learned something about the tribute Americans pay to living poets such as yourself. I would have loved to see your reaction. I am well pleased. The tribute is sincere.
Perhaps your desire for more poets will become a reality. I'd love for this article and your comments to be contributors influencing that decision.
Be well and take special care.
Very interesting article Avis, thanks for sharingYou're welcome, David. Thank you for reading.
Thanks Avis I just recently found this article I'm sorry that I'm a day late and a dollar short.No worries whatsoever and you're very welcome. Thank you! *smile*
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