National Poetry Month

April brings
Celebration
Of poems and poets
Across the nation.

Some people may not realize that April is National Poetry Month. What a great opportunity to embrace the creatively written word. This celebration began in 1966 to increase awareness and appreciation of poetry as an art form. There are several great ways to get in the swing of things and enjoy National Poetry Month.

Libraries and bookstores often offer poetry readings in April. These events are typically free and a unique opportunity to hear a poem instead of reading it. The creative writing department of many colleges also offer poetry readings as well. Hearing students read their own work of poetry can be as rewarding for the audience as it is the student. Creative writing students and published poets are not the only ones with a zest for the art of poetry. Whether it be a passion, hobby or dream there are many poets who need a creative outlet and that is where the poetry slam comes into play. Often held at coffee houses a poetry slam is a combination of poetry and performance. Geared towards the audience the poet typically has a time limit such as three minutes to read their original poem. Not using props or musical instruments the poet must engage and entertain the audience who then rates them on a scale of one to ten. Poetry slams are often held on a regular basis so check the bulletin board of your local coffee hangout.

Children love poetry and the can celebrate National Poetry Month in some fun ways such as writing a poem on a balloon and releasing it or writing a poem on the sidewalk with chalk. Post a poem on the refrigerator and recite it everyday until they have it memorized. You can help a child make a poetry book of their own poems and have them draw pictures or cut out pictures from magazines to help illustrate their poetry. You can inspire not only poetry but generosity in your child by taking them to the bookstore to buy a book of poetry and donate that book to the library, hospital or nursing home. Write a silly poem on a napkin and pack it in your child's lunchbox or backpack to discover while they are at school.

There are at least fifty one different types of poetry and scores of talented poets to read. Grab a book of poetry and find a new poem that you like or revisit and old favorite. One of my favorite poems from childhood was by William Carlos Williams and it was about eating plums. Hearing that poem evokes such strong memories for me. Do you have a poem that does that for you?