Welter’s Beth Phan explores all the fun to be had during National Poetry Month.
As we emerge from a long (hard!) winter, rain falls + flowers bloom—that’s poetry in its own right, no? Spring swoops in just in time for annual National Poetry Month, a 30-day celebration to acknowledge the power, life force, and importance of poetry in our culture. This sentiment rings especially true after this last turbulent year. The 25th anniversary of National Poetry Month is the perfect occasion to celebrate the season of renewal (and vaccination). Here are 9 easy ways to participate.
Photo courtesy of ladybrion.com.
- Virtual events: they’re all the (necessary) rage. The University of Baltimore’s MFA program in Creative Writing & Publishing Arts is getting in on the action with its annual “Favorite Poem Reading” on April 23 from 2:00-3:30pm hosted by the fabulous Lady Brion, a 2019 graduate of the program. Read a poem you love or just sit back and listen. For early sign up, email mwinik@ubalt.edu and click here to attend. Looking for more ways to party? Browse other online poetry readings.
- They say inspiration is everywhere, why not your inbox? Sign up for Poem-a-Day to receive a new poem in your email every day.
- Support local businesses! Buy a book of poetry from your local bookstore (we especially ❤️ The Ivy Bookshop and Atomic Books).
- Earth Day is April 22nd! It’s the perfect time to spend time in nature and write a poem outdoors.
- Got the perfect writing song? Make and share your poetry playlist on Facebook or Twitter. (Welter social is taking recommendations! Hit us up.)
- Start ‘em young and browse poetry for kids.
- Writer’s block happens. Watch a movie or listen to a lecture about poetry to get those creative juices flowing.
- While we don’t recommend handing strangers your poem in this day and age, you can still participate in Poem in Your Pocket Day on April 29th. Share your work on social media, text it to a friend, or have your own at-home reading.
- Attention: free stuff alert! Sign up to receive a 2021 National Poetry Month poster from poets.org, featuring lines by U.S. Poet Laureate Joy Harjo, free of charge.