national poetry month

april is national poetry month, a time to celebrate the power of words, emotions, and imagination that poetry brings to our lives. poetry allows us to express feelings, capture moments, and reflect on the world around us in unique and meaningful ways. whether through rhyme, free verse, or spoken word, poetry has a special ability to connect people, evoke deep emotions, and inspire change. for both adults and young people, poetry provides a space for creativity, self-expression, and understanding. it encourages us to slow down, listen to the rhythm of language, and appreciate the beauty of words. throughout history, poetry has been a way for people to share stories, struggles, and triumphs, making it one of the most timeless and universal forms of art. so, whether you're reading or writing poetry this month, take the time to explore the rhythm, the emotions, and the rich diversity poetry offers.

poetry fun facts:

• poetry is one of the oldest forms of literature, with roots going back thousands of years across different cultures.

• some poems, like haikus, have very specific rules for structure and syllables.

• the shortest poem in the world, by american poet arthur o’shaughnessy, is only one word: "fleas."

• rap music is a form of spoken word poetry, and many rap lyrics follow poetic structures.

diverse must-read poets:

• maya angelou

• langston hughes

• nikki giovanni

• jorge luis borges

• joy harjo

• ocean vuong

• suheir hammad

• rita dove

• amiri baraka

• elizabeth acevedo