National Poetry Month
As April draws to a close, so does National Poetry Month. For poets, traditional events include Poem-A-Day (PAD) challenges, such as those posted daily by Robert Lee Brewer of Writer’s Digest.
For those poets who are hardy enough to actually compose 30 poems during the month, there is an opportunity to submit their creative works on the Poetic Asides site and discuss them with poets worldwide.
Poets have used the Writer’s Digest April PAD challenge as a springboard to create poetry books from their compilation of poems.
The haiku world sponsors its own recognition of the PAD theme but stretches it through the entire year. For example, take a look at the daily posts of the Haiku Foundation: Haiku of the Day 2022.
The Academy of American Poets honors the month with special observances. Every year the organization produces a poster.
In addition, the Academy puts out the Poem in Your Pocket volume (available in a downloadable PDF format). Print the verses and carry one in your pocket to share with others or enjoy yourself. When I still practiced as a surgeon, a highlight (or torture 😝) of April's daily patient rounds was a sample from Poem in Your Pocket.
Zoom allows international poets to gather in one virtual room to read poetry. The Moonstone Arts Center in the Philadelphia area holds monthly (and sometimes more) readings and the opportunity for poets to publish their writing in topical anthologies.
Other organizations celebrate with poetry reading gatherings, festivals, workshops, and book displays. Even if you’re not a writer or poet, challenge yourself to write a poem (or two) this April.
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