Poetry Month 2019

April is National Poetry Month. As a writer, I think there is no better inspiration than reading or hearing some poetry before you write. It doesn’t have to be everyday. Once in a while will do. As I’ve said, I write bad poems, so no submitting for me. However, I still like being around poets and their writing.

A few years ago, I was lucky enough to attend the Geraldine R. Dodge Poetry Festival in Newark, NJ. Wow, so fun. I sat through so many readings from some of the best poets like Billy Collins, Kay Ryan, and Rita Dove. My mom was with me and snagged some autographs too. (I wasn’t so lucky. I went to see other poets read instead. Although I did snag Rita Dove signature when she came to the National Book Festival.) One of the best moments? Seeing all the people attending. If you think poetry is dead, go to a big festival with nothing but poets. They come out of the woodwork for these things. Sure it’s not like some other big writers, but the crowd was impressive.

So this month, take some time to enjoy some poetry. Go to a reading at your local bookseller, or write a couple of bad poems yourself. Either way, appreciate the art form and what it does for you.

Happy Reading!