Did you know that National Poetry Month was first celebrated by the Academy of American Poets in 1996 and has been celebrated in Canada since 1998? Here are three ways you can join in on the fun this April.
Write
Maybe you’re feeling inspired to try your hand at creating some poetry this month, but you don’t know where to start. Why not try found poems?
This genre of poetry involves using words found around you to construct your masterpiece. You could create spine poetry using the titles of your latest library haul or turn a book from our book sale into blackout poetry by using a marker to cover everything but the words you want to keep.
Recite
Why not join Writer in Residence Tololwa Mollel for a Celebration of Poetry on April 22? This event, featuring readings from Medgine Mathurin and Emily Riddle, will also include an open mic session, so you can share your own work, if you dare.
Read
Want to read more but feel like you don’t have the time for an entire book? You can read a poem in line at the grocery store or in the waiting room of your doctor’s office. Poetry is the perfect seed of beauty to plant in the cracks of a busy day.
Tips for reading poetry:
- You don't have to understand everything.
- Poems are short, great for reading in waiting rooms. It's okay to read them one at a time.
- You don't have to read every poem.
If you don’t know where to start, check out some of our favorite recommendations for people just dipping their toes into this art form.
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