“If I 
look
at the crystal moon, at the red branch
of the slow autumn at my window,
if I touch
near the fire
the impalpable ash
or the wrinkled body of the log,
everything carries me to you” – Pablo Neruda
In 1996, the American Academy of Poets began recognizing the month of April as National Poetry Month. This month long initiative was implemented to bring awareness to the “art of poetry”. The goal of the academy (in part) is to introduce more Americans to the pleasures of reading poetry in innovative ways. This includes making sure that poetry is part of the school curriculum and obtainable to students. It is also a way for the academy and other writers to recognize the works of famous poets.
As somewhat of a self-proclaimed poet, I am often moved and inspired by beautiful prose and verse. I grew up reading books by Shel Silverstein and later became inspired to write about the musings of my own soul. For me, poetry is uncomplicated. It is a way to visually express ideas using words. Some of my favorite poets include: Pablo Neruda, Ntozake Shange, Sonia Sanchez, Maya Angelou, and Langston Hughes. It is my belief that writing brings beauty to the mind in much the same way that art brings beauty to the eyes.
If poetry is of interest to you, consider celebrating National Poetry Month by checking out a few poetry books at the PSC Library. The American Academy of Poets compiled a list of 30 things you could do to recognize poetry as an integral part of the American culture.
Pioneers 