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Dear Glenda,
"I acknowledge my feeling and gratitude for life by praising the world and whoever made all these things." ~ Mary Oliver
Happy National Poetry Month!
This is always one of my favorite months because not only do I get to review my latest favorite poetry books, but it's a time when there's a lot of national focus on poetry. In my hometown, this month, we elect our new Poet Laureate, who typically holds a two-year term. It's also a time when there are numerous poetic events to attend around town.
I'm also excited about the number of poems I've had published in the past few months, especially my new favorite form of haikus and haibuns. Many people have told me that they think I've found my form. While I'm still mastering the form, I must say I'm really enjoying the challenge. If you have not written a poem since grade school, then this month might be a good time to try. If rhyming intimidates you, don’t worry, because modern day poetry has very little rhyme. I'm a fan of narrative poetry because, like memoir writing, it tells a story. Poetry, the voice of the soul, is a free-flowing form of expression. The best poetry happens when you write about feelings, observations, and images as they come to you.
To become a good poet, it is important that you read a lot of poetry for inspiration and ideas about form. You can also listen to CDs of poetry being read aloud. Here are a few prompts to consider:
1) Title your poem “I remember.” Recall an event in your life and share all the details in your poem. The reader should feel as if they are remembering along with you.
2) Write a poem about a secret you never told anyone.
3) Describe your day in a snapshot
April Writing Prompts
- Write about your favorite poet.
- Write a poem about spring.
- Write about your favorite poetry book.
- Write about a friend you are very grateful for.
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Grace Notes: Poems about Families by Naomi Shihab Nye (poetry)
I've seen and heard Naomi at a number of poetry events, and I just cannot get enough of her down-to-earth poetry. This book, in particular, resonated with me, with her themes of family, love, kindness, empathy, grief, growing up, and resilience.
This book celebrates family and community. The collection gets more personal than any of her other collections. Here she taps into her childhood, her parents and grandparents, and all the others who have helped shape her life as a poet and human. It's one of those books to be kept at the bedside to be reread over and over again.
I had so many favorite poems starred in this collection, but "Freedom" really spoke to me:
My mother did not worry
when I disappeared
on my blue bike,
biggest difference of the old days
versus the new.
Even bigger than internet
and landline phones.
Back then, parents just let you go.
~~~
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Modern Poetry by Diane Suess (poetry) I first heard Seuss read her poetry during an online poetry reading and was blown away by her voice and honesty. This new collection takes its title, Modern Poetry, from the first poetry textbook she encountered as a child and the first poetry course she took in college. Her poems tell it like it is—feisty and musical, and many of them taking chances in writing about ordinary life occurrences, such as love and death. Her dry sense of humor coupled with self-scrutiny, offers the reader respite from the noise and chaos of the universe. In her poem called, "Poetry," she says, There's no sense in telling you my particular troubles. You have yours too. Is there value in comparing notes? Unlike Williams writing poems on prescription pads between patients. I have no prescriptions for you. I'm more interested in the particular nature and tenor of the energy of our trouble. |
Yes, You Can Write Poetry: Try It This National Poetry Month
By Diana Raab April 06, 2025 Hobbies
April is National Poetry Month and if you have not thought about poetry since high school, it might be a good time to rediscover its wonders. Poetry is the voice of the soul; it is a free-flowing form of expression. The best poetry comes to you when you write about feelings, observations, and images as they arrive.
Poetry is a powerful genre because it allows self-expression and thus can increase your sense of well-being. In addition, reading and writing poetry not only leads to healing and transformation, but it can make you a better writer.
The Many Benefits of Writing Poetry
In general, writing poetry fosters the development of keen observational skills because in order to write good poetry, you need to be in touch with all of your senses. For example, instead of saying that something is beautiful, it’s more compelling to show why something is beautiful. In practice, this may look like this: when writing about flowers, you might say that the color is radiant, and the fragrance is like honeysuckle. This technique is called, “showing rather than telling.”
Writing poetry can also be healing, especially when you write about events or experiences that you’re still coming to terms with or still processing.
Freestyle Poetry
If rhyming intimidates you, don’t worry, because modern day poetry has very little rhyme. I’m a fan of narrative poetry because it’s most akin to memoir writing. It is poetry that tells a story. In many ways, writing poetry can move you closer to your center of creativity. It also stimulates the right brain. Poetry can also help you claim your voice.
If you want to write poetry, my best advice is to listen to the voice in your head. Writing poetry can help transform your life and aid you in dealing with difficult issues.
Because poetry is a succinct genre where every word counts, it teaches you the power of words. Writing poetry teaches you how to be concise and get to the point of what you want to say. Poetry also encourages the creation of images and metaphors. It’s a good idea to provide many details in the poem and to be as specific as possible. When writing about someone else, consider having a photo of them nearby so you can easily visualize them.
You can find many of my poems here: Selected Poems.
Remember...to become a good poet, it is important to read a lot of poetry for inspiration. It’s also a way to get some ideas about form. Sometimes it’s fun to listen to poets read their poems. In fact, after you write your poem, one way to edit it is to read it out loud. This is because poetry was meant to be a spoken form of expression.
Try These Prompts
Here are some good prompts to get started when you want to begin writing:Write an ode to someone you love. Provide details about why you love them.
In poetic form, write a letter of apology to someone you disappointed, or you think you disappointed.
Write a poem about your first boyfriend/girlfriend and what you remember about them and your relationship.
You could write a poem about someone who has passed away by framing it as a present-day event that triggers a favorite memory of them.
Write a poem about a secret you never told anyone.
Describe your day in a snapshot.
Write a poem about all the things you love.
Happy writing!
Further reading: Try Something New: Write a Poem and Stretch Your Brain.
Final Thoughts: Do you read poetry? Who’s your favorite author? How about writing poetry – is it a favorite creative activity? What prompts do you use? If you haven’t written any poems yet, what’s stopping you?
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