In celebration of National Poetry Month in April, I’d like to delve into the significance of this annual event and share a couple of poems that capture the month’s essence.
National Poetry Month is a cherished occasion that pays homage to poetry’s profound impact on literature and our culture. It has evolved into the largest literary celebration, engaging millions of readers, students, educators, librarians, and poets in exploring and creating poetry.
The lineage of influential poets is extensive and diverse, encompassing luminaries such as William Shakespeare, William Wordsworth, Edgar Allan Poe, Walt Whitman, Emily Dickinson, Robert Frost, T. S. Eliot, Langston Hughes, Maya Angelou, Sylvia Plath, Shel Silverstein, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Gwendolyn Brooks, Henry David Thoreau, Amanda Gorman, Shane Koyczan, Prince Ea, Jason Reynolds, Kwame Alexander, and countless others.
Throughout April, we honor the contributions of renowned, infamous, and emerging poets. I have often dedicated this month in my classrooms to educating students about the many aspects of poetry, including its various forms, literary devices, and the pivotal role of figurative language in crafting exquisite verses. I would introduce a diverse selection of mentor texts, including my own compositions, encouraging students to experiment with poetic expression.
One common challenge, especially among young learners, is deciphering the layers of meaning within poems. Given their often figurative nature, grasping the literal interpretation can be elusive. However, poetry doesn’t always have to be cryptic; it can also be lucid. To illustrate this, I’ll share two poems I’ve penned over the years. The first one celebrates the rejuvenating spirit of spring, a fitting tribute to April’s vibrant season.
This poem is a cinquain:
Flowers
Pretty, fragrant
Waiting, watching, weeding
Enjoying all the while they grow
Gardens
This next one is a free-style poem about two of my favorite loves, music and basketball, in honor of the NCAA Basketball Final Four taking place in April:
 the bounceÂ
       bounceÂ
            bounceÂ
of the ballÂ
   on the wooden floorÂ
              like the base of a kick drumÂ
the squeaky sneakers on the wooden floorÂ
       like a DJ scratching the vinylÂ
            jumping bodies running up and down the courtÂ
       with a rhythmic motion
like dancers on the dance floor
     cheers being led like background singersÂ
whistles blowing like screaming altos hitting a high noteÂ
                   the loud buzzer blaresÂ
            as time runs outÂ
a trumpet blowing from the band
       A crescendo leading to an exciting, exhilarating ending
           the song stops
the game is over Â
                    win or lose
basketball is my musical composition