Happy spring to all!
April is the month to appreciate the gift of poetry. April marks the 20th anniversary of National Poetry Month, which was initiated by the Academy of American Poets in 1996. Over the years, National Poetry Month has become the largest literary celebration in the world with schools, publishers, libraries, booksellers and poets celebrating poetry's vital place in our culture. *
There are many ways to participate. Here are just a few:
- Follow the thousands of National Poetry Month celebrations taking place using #npm16 and follow the Academy of American Poets on Twitter @POETSorg.
- Use the new National Poetry Month logo to promote your events. It can be downloaded here.
- Order a free National Poetry Month poster and display it proudly.
- Invite K-12 students to participate in our Dear Poet project by writing letters in response to poems shared by the award-winning poets serving on our Board of Chancellors.
- Attend Poetry & the Creative Mind, a celebration of poetry from the reader’s perspective featuring leading and luminary actors, artists, and public figures, on April 27, 2016, in New York City.
- Participate in National Poem in Your Pocket Day on April 21, 2016.
Last month I asked you to select a poem that you liked, and to hang onto it. Did you find one? The reason for my request is because April 21, is "Poem in Your Pocket day"
Every April, on Poem in Your Pocket Day, people celebrate by selecting a poem, carrying it with them, and sharing it with others throughout the day at schools, bookstores, libraries, parks, workplaces, and on Twitter using the hashtag #pocketpoem.
Poem in Your Pocket Day was originally initiated in 2002 by the Office of the Mayor, in partnership with the New York City Departments of Cultural Affairs and Education, as part of the city’s National Poetry Month celebration. In 2008, the Academy of American Poets made the initiative national, encouraging individuals across the country to join in and channel their inner bard.*
Pick a poem for the day, and slip it in your picket, and take every opportunity throughout the day to share with someone. Enjoy and have fun!
Last month I participated in "Four Minutes of Fame" sponsored by Write on The River. I had a fabulous time with good food and drink, and great association with fellow writers. It was wonderful to see, and hear such a variety of genre read aloud for everyone's enjoyment.
Another highlight of my month was watching one of my granddaughters, "Tiera" play clarinet in her first 6th grade concert. She did beautifully!
Tiera standing playing clarinet.
In harmony with National Poetry Month, I will be offering Lest We Forget Life's Passion and Cut Both Ways at a discounted price for only $10 each. Please message me with your requests, using the contact tab at the top of my website, and I will autograph, and ship to you within the U.S.
I continue to write daily, and to work on my 3rd book. Wrapping my head and heart around this collection has been a bit of a challenge. Being a bit of a perfectionist doesn't help either! I'll know when it's right, and until then I will take my time.
The best to you, enjoy the beautiful spring colors, and I'll see you next time.
* poets.org
