Whispers & Words: Ideas to Engage in National Poetry Month

 In 1993, I published my first poem. 

“Illusions From Heaven” is published in Poetic Voices of America and was dedicated to those who have walked. It appears on p. 112 with five other poems with references to God, grace, and porcelain gates. 

I see you smile – Sparkling your eyes. 

An illusion – 

I hold back my cries.

These lines, written by my high school senior self, reflect the type of poetry I was reading at the time: Emily Dickinson, traditional rhyming patterns, and poetry from emotion. 

Kuester Dam, Photo by Thomas Baldwin. 

More than 10 years later, I placed first in the Traditional Poetry category for Wyoming Writers Inc. with a poem titled “Kuester Lake." The water was dammed just around the corner from where I grew up.

I had broken my back in a car accident in 1990, and the following summer I swam out as far as I could and back again and again to gain strength. In the poem, I wove memories of home, healing, and dreams of growing up. 

Poetry has always had a special place in my life. My great-aunt, Janet, was a beautiful, gentle soul who wrote poetry. To this day, it’s my favorite genre to read and to write. 

For poetry enthusiasts and literary aficionados, April is a month of vibrant celebrations for poetry. National Poetry Month, observed annually in April, provides a unique opportunity to delve into this captivating world.

Whether you’re an aspiring poet, an avid reader, or simply curious about the power of words, National Poetry Month offers numerous reasons to immerse yourself in the beauty and depth of this cherished art form. 

In this blog, we will explore compelling ideas to engage in National Poetry Month and discover the magic that lies within the realm of poetry. 

Celebrate the Written & Spoken Word

National Poetry Month encourages the celebration of the word – the richness of the language, the power of metaphor, and the ability of poetry to convey complex emotions in succinct and evocative ways. This month, explore different styles, genres, and eras of poetry. Broaden your understanding of the craft while discovering new voices and perspectives. 

Foster Creativity & Self-Expression

Poetry is a medium that encourages creativity and self-expression. Use this month to unlock your own creative potential. Write your own poems. Participate in a poetry workshop. Attend a poetry reading. Engage in poetry to express your thoughts, feelings, and experiences in imaginative ways. 

112 E. 17th St., Cheyenne

Connect with Emotions and Experiences

Poetry has the remarkable ability to connect with our deepest emotions. Through the power of language, poets craft verses that resonate with readers – lines can provide solace, understanding, catharsis. In April, explore poems that capture a wide range of emotions, encourage empathy, and offer a unique lens to view the world. 

Discover Diverse Voices & Perspectives

Poetry provides readers the opportunity to explore the works of poets from various backgrounds and cultures. Use this month to discover new perspectives, expand your reading repertoire, and develop a deeper appreciation of the rich tapestry of human experience. 

Join a Literary Community 

Poetry is a thriving literary community in many, many areas. Attend a poetry reading, join an online writing group, or participate in a poetry competition – all of these actions will allow you to connect with like-minded individuals who share your passion for poetry. These connections can provide support, encouragement, and inspiration as you embark on your own poetic journey. 

I leave you with a final experience with my current favorite poet, Ada Limon. 

Limon’s signature project as U.S. Poet Laureate, the collection of poems "You Are Here" launches in April. Installations of poetry will continue throughout the year in national parks across the country. This is a wonderful national call for public participation in nature. Read more here. 

In October 2022, I had the great fortune to attend a live Zoom poetry craft lab with Ada Limon sponsored by Brooklyn Poets. It was one of the most beautiful, satisfying writing experiences. Ada would provide a prompt, an exemplar text, and she wrote with us. 

She shared beautiful lines ("Poetry exists in the music and the mystery and the white spaces ...") and shared quotes like this from Lucille Clifton: "Poetry is a matter of life, not just a matter of language.”

As writers in her craft lab, we could put all or some of our writing in the Zoom chat. My first draft opened with these words: 

They never stay long, 

wisps of white 

light go by.

Ada commented on my last lines and read them aloud, 

Isn’t it strange 

how it happens, 

the visitations.

October 16, 2022.