National Poetry Month - Featuring News from Poets Celebrating Especially April 29th! - Music is My Poetry!

April is National Poetry Month, a celebration of the written word organized by the Academy of American Poets. National Poetry Month “reminds the public that poets have an integral role to play in our culture and that poetry matters.

Over the 25 years since it began, it has become the largest literary celebration in the world, with tens of millions of readers, students, K–12 teachers, librarians, booksellers, literary events curators, publishers, families, and—of course—poets, marking poetry’s important place in our lives.”

EVELYN KRIEGER

Author and Teacher. Inspiring creative souls through hard times.

Share a poem for Poem in Your Pocket Day on April 29, 2021,  #PocketPoem.

Here are two poems for you dear readers:

~~~~

Dear Glenda,

"The world is never the same place once a good poem has been added to it."

~ Dylan Thomas

April is National Poetry Month, and in my hometown, there are usually many events throughout this month. Personally, I will be offering a poetry workshop at Godmothers for Women 60+. It's never too late to start writing poetry! In addition, I will be giving a reading at a local bar with other poets.

I'm also happy to announce that my sixth poetry collection, Walking Myself Home: Haibun & Haiku, has been accepted for publication by Finishing Line Press. I just signed the contract and am awaiting the publisher's timeline. I'm over the moon with excitement! As writers, it never gets old hearing that our work has been published!



https://www.dianaraab.com

APRIL Writing Prompts

Who is your favorite poet or poem?

When was the last time you wrote a poem?
What do you remember about poetry in high school?

Life on Earth: Poems by Dorianne Laux

This book was released last year and was longlisted for the National Book Award. This is of no surprise to me. I've already reread it a few times. She writes about moments that many of us have lived through by the time you reach our mutual decade.

As Publishers Weekly deftly says, "With this spellbinding seventh collection, Laux brings to life the simple pleasures and small agonies of human existence."

I've dog-eared so many poems in this book that I love. We are similar in ages, and she writes a lot about aging. I could really relate to 

"I Dare You." 

"It's autumn, and we're getting rid

of books, getting ready to retire, 

to move some place smaller, 

more/manageable."

A slim and powerful volume!

~~~~

Words are so Powerful, 

said in poetic manner or as a prayer

Or as a cry for help...

 Words may be in different languages,

 but the tone--the very words

 of those who speak tell so much...

There are no words for War, 

though some men speak loudly

of hate and violence against others

Why is that? Why do we strike out

In fear, anger and often purposefully

Yet, we instantly know regret

May the world come to Thee

Seeking in Earnest of Peace

And May we Accept Your Truth and Love...

Gabby

Welcome to 2026 from Diana Raab, PhD - Poetry and More!

 

Dear Glenda, "The New Year stands before us, like a chapter in a book, waiting to be written." ~ Melody Beattie Welcome to 2026! In the Chinese calendar, we are now transitioning from the Year of the Snake to the Year of the Horse. The Year of the Snake was a year of shedding, releasing, inner growth and subconscious healing. The year of the horse is about having clarity, freedom, breakthroughs and momentum. I am wishing you all good things during this transition. I have been reading and hearing a lot lately about how people are coming together and craving the collective. It feels like survival is in the collective. The past number of years many people have focused on self-care but now, many seem to be hungry for a sense of community. No doubt, this need was born after the end of the pandemic when we all had enough of isolation. Thus, I am excited to introduce a new Sacred Circle, a gathering of kindred spirits to discuss, support, share stories, and do some writing together. It will be an empowering gathering. If you are based in California, I hope to see you there. Please see the details below. Until we meet again, I wish you a happy, healthy and peaceful New Year! https://www.dianaraab.com

Diana Raab, PhD is checking in for September! With A Bit of Poetry! Writing Prompts! Review of The Fifth Season by Mark Nepo

 

Shared with Permission by Author!

"Poetry is when an emotion has found its thought and the thought has found words." ~ Robert Frost Happy September! Here we are again at the beginning of fall. It’s the season I always think of as a time of letting go, as the trees let go of the leaves that no longer serve them, and a time of reflection, as we think of the year coming to an end. As a youngster, September was the beginning of the school year and as an elder, I love seeing all the school supplies displayed in the stores. It makes me reminisce about times gone by. Please check out my latest article in Psychology Today, called, “Why Reminiscing Is Good for Us,” a reminder that not only do our stories and experiences ground us, but they help connect us to ourselves. Wishing you a wonderful September! https://www.dianaraab.com SEPTEMBER  Writing Prompts Write about your most outstanding day at school. Write about your most memorable teacher. Write what fall means for you. Write about what you want to let go of this fall.                                                           RECENTLY PUBLISHED WORKS  "Poet's Eyes" (poem). The Soliloquist. Summer 2025. Issue 2.  A poet’s eyes  They come in every color  but not of the rainbow  only God’s chosen—  blue, brown, hazel,  yet all this physical stuff  is really irrelevant  when thinking of their power  and what they capture—  every essence of life,  feelings and beyond,  chaos and mayhem,  love and war,  sharing and calming in one sweep,   and even when looking at stars  they see futures and  other planets on the other side,  like they’d want to visit one day  in faraway realms   never touched by dirty human hands. ~~~ Also... “Brain Fog or Just Age? Decoding Cognitive Changes.” (article). The Good Men Project. July 17, 2025. “Red Salvia” (haiku). O2 Haiku. July 2025. “Secrets to Happy Aging.” (article). Psychology Today. July 19, 2025. “Why Reminiscing Is Good for Us.” (article) Psychology Today. August 17, 2025. “Silence Redux,” “Flat Tire Therapy,” and “Future Writer.” (poems). Twin Flame Literary. August 2025. “She Told Me Her Secret.” (essay). Corvus Review. Summer. 2025. RECOMMENDED BOOK Whenever Nepo releases a new book, I make sure to put it on my reading list immediately. So many of his sentiments resonate with me. As a poet and deep thinker, he always makes me delve deeper into my thought processes. Reading his words is like coming home. This book especially resonates with me because he’s a writer in his seventies. I too entered my seventh decade last year and I also ponder my own mortality. He poses questions that I often ask, such as, what does it mean to age, and what is old? I love his perspective as he embraces his own age and the gifts aging has to offer, such as the wisdoms learned over the course of a lifetime. Nepo identifies this period of his life as a time of integration and transformation for making sense of experiences. I love that he has included suggestions for writing or discussion at the end of each chapter. He poses many poignant questions. It’s a profound book that leaves a lot of room for reflection and contemplation, and as he deftly states, “The longer we live, the greater the surfacing of our soul.” Further, like me, he believes in the importance of creativity. “Just like we need oxygen to breathe, we need the creative flow to keep our heart alive. This is especially important as we age. To live a creative life sustains our inner health,” he says. Diana Raab, PhD PO Box 5831 | Santa Barbara, CA 93150 US www.dianaraab.com | diana@dianaraab.com There's always more with Dr. Raab... Do check out her website and see what else she offers to her readers!  And thanks, Diana, for allowing me to share across the world a few of your creative words! Gabby

Welcome To Guest Poet, Diana Raab, Sharing Celebration of National Poetry Month!

 

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.

My poetic contributions ;ast month...

“Create a Revolution.” (poem) Verse-Virtual. March 7, 2025.

“My Lost City.” (poem) The City Key. March 23, 2025.

“Rubber Band Bracelets.” (poem) Soul Forte Journal. March 2025.

“The Day After.” (poem) McQueens Quinterly: Issue 27. March 2025.

Book Recommendations

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.

~~~

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.

What It Takes to Become a Poet

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?

Wishing you all happy writing.Have a great month of April!

https://www.dianaraab.com