Granted, I’m doing much more this year than I did last year. I’m hosting poet interviews to help spread poetry love. Raise the profile of poetry, its influence and importance. And introduce other poets to the blogosphere. I’ve also decided last minute to take part in the poem-a-day challenge again. But this time on Scribophile.com. My Warfare and Weapons of Ancient class started two days ago. And now the postponed How Writers Write Poetry online class is starting next week Monday. Can you say full plate?
National Poetry Month first began in 1996 by the Academy of American Poets. Their aim was to acknowledge poetry’s place in culture. As well as encourage support for poets and poetry, the reading of poetry, etc. April was chosen as the best time of the year to help promote that purpose. But National Poetry Month’s goal is to not only promote poetry for just one month. It is to encourage year-long and life-long readership and appreciation of poetry.
Frankly, I think April, more so than any month, is perfect as poetry month. It is during this time where nature itself is coming out of winter and beginning anew. It’s as if the world is opening to new beginnings like poetry. Poetry is a form of literature that reveals the nature of ourselves, others and our surroundings. It helps us to open up our innermost feelings and thoughts through reflection. So that we share the truth we find, its beauty and tragedy. And so that we see things anew. Poetry, like spring and flowers, is the soul in bloom.
So as a writer of poetry I owe it to myself to celebrate National Poetry Month. Come hell or high-water. I’ve spent too many years knowing its existence. And yet not participated or supported as I should have. And although I can not catch up with the 17 years I’ve missed. I can give my all for the 30 days of April to do my part for National Poetry Month.
What are you doing for National Poetry Month? Please share in the comments section below.