It’s April: Happy National Poetry Month!

When I mention this to my non-poet friends, they look at me blankly and say, “Uh huh.” But I’m excited, as are all of my poetry friends and colleagues living:

Madly and haphazardly
writing and editing
Living poem by poem

There are special events in addition to the usual workshops and open mics in the area. There are also stealth poetry programs happening such as Poem in Your Pocket. Simply select a poem you love, carry it with you, then share it with coworkers, family, and friends. And don’t forget the mother of events, the Poem-a-Day challenge.

The real purpose of this month is to spread the word about this wonderful art form and encourage people to dip into the well. Why should we care about poetry? Poetry expresses the truth in a way that a textbook never can.

Poetry will never pay the bills,
feed the hungry,
or stop a war;
unless, it does.

So before I go, I encourage you to write or read a poem this month. Perhaps you will like one of my favorite poems.

After A While, by Veronica A. Shoffstall, written 1971.  I first read this poem in an Ann Landers column. This lovely and enduring poem about growing up and becoming a strong independent adult has touched many people and been published over and over again.

Autobiography in Five Chapters by Portia Nelson (1920 – 2001) from the book: There’s a Hole in My Sidewalk: The Romance of Self-Discovery.  For many people this is the quintessential poem of recovery for those in 12 step programs. But I just think it’s good advice for everyone,

Do Not Go Gentle into That Good Night by Dylan Thomas (1914 – 1953).  I like this poem, not just because it’s a great way to approach life, but it is a perfect example of a villanelle form poem.