In 1996, the Academy of American Poets established National Poetry Month in April each year. This is a time for schools, libraries, and poets throughout the United States to come together to celebrate poetry. Many organizations participate in National Poetry Month through readings, book displays, workshops, and other events.
“Poetry lets us express our inner emotions,” sophomore Nicola Donato said.
One way people are celebrating National Poetry Month is through Poem in Your Pocket Day. Held on Thursday, April 18th, people carried their favorite poem so they could share it with other students, coworkers, or family. Twitter users shared their poems by using the hashtag #pocketpoem.
Another National Poetry Month celebration is inspired by Rainer Maria Rilke’s Letters to a Young Poet, a book where Rilke replies to letters from a military cadet and aspiring poet asking for advice. Students are invited to handwrite letters to poets who serve on the Academy’s Board of Chancellors. For a list of poets on the board you can use this link: http://www.poets.org/page.php/prmID/619
Even though April is National Poetry Month, poets.org encourages everyone to celebrate poetry all year round to help people realize the important effect poetry has on our culture.
