April is National Poetry Month!
Here are some ways to celebrate (as suggested by poets.org):
- Sign-up for Poem-a-Day, curated this month by Willie Perdomo, and read a poem each morning.
- Sign-up to receive a free National Poetry Month poster, featuring an excerpt from “Gate A-4,” a poem by former Young People’s Poet Laureate and Academy Chancellor Naomi Shihab Nye, as well as artwork by New York Times–bestselling author and illustrator Christy Mandin. Download the PDF and display it for the occasion.
- Read 2024’s most-read poem by a contemporary poet, Naomi Shihab Nye’s “Kindness,” or the most-read classic: Dylan Thomas’s “Do not go gentle into that good night.”
- Record yourself reading a poem and share why you chose that work online, using the hashtag #NationalPoetryMonth.
- Subscribe to the Poem-a-Day podcast.
- Check out a book of poetry from your local library.
- Begin your meetings or classes by reading a poem.
- Talk to the teachers in your life about Teach this Poem and encourage students in grades five–twelve to participate in the Dear Poet project.
- Revisit an iconic poet or classic book of poems through the Academy’s literary seminars.
- Share a poem for Poem in Your Pocket Day on social media using the hashtag #PocketPoem.
- Read about your state poet laureate.
- Read a poem before you go to bed.
- Buy a book of poetry from your local bookstore or on Bookshop.org! Check out “enjambments,” a monthly interview series highlighting emerging and established poets’ latest poetry collections.
- Make a poetry playlist.
- Send a poem to your accountant or tax preparer.
- Create an online anthology of your favorite poems on Poets.org.
- Organize a poetry reading, open mic, or poetry slam in your neighborhood.
- Learn more about poetry readings near you.
- Donate books of poetry to free libraries and mutual-aid networks.
- Research and volunteer with poetry organizations in your area.
- Take a walk and write an ode to an object that you encountered.
- Read and share poems about the environment in honor of Earth Day.
- Start a poetry reading group or potluck, inviting friends to share poems.
- Attend Poetry & the Creative Mind on April 24, 2025, a free, virtual reading of favorite poems in celebration of National Poetry Month.
- Read essays about poetry, like former Chancellor Edward Hirsch’s “How to Read a Poem,” Mary Ruefle’s “Poetry and the Moon,” former Chancellor Mark Doty’s “Tide of Voices: Why Poetry Matters Now,” Muriel Rukeyser’s “The Life of Poetry,” and Chancellor Kevin Young’s “Poems of Grief and Healing.”
- Watch a movie, lecture, or video featuring a poet.
- Write an exquisite corpse or a renga with friends.
- Make a poetry chapbook.
- Browse the glossary of terms and try your hand at writing a formal poem.
- Make a gift to support the Academy of American Poets’ free programs and publications and keep celebrating poetry year-round!
Read more ways to celebrate National Poetry Month.
<https://poets.org/national-poetry-month/30-ways-celebrate-national-poetry-month-0>
