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 bounce
bounce
bounce
of the ball
on the wooden floor
like the base of a kick drum
the squeaky sneakers on the wooden floor
like a DJ scratching the vinyl
jumping bodies running up and down the court
with a rhythmic motion
like dancers on the dance floor
cheers being led like background singers
whistles blowing like screaming altos hitting a high note
the loud buzzer blares
as time runs out
a trumpet blowing from the band
A crescendo leading to an exciting, exhilarating ending
the song stops
the game is over
win or lose
basketball is my musical composition