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National Poetry Month: Home

National Poetry Month

National Poetry Month 2023

Ways to Celebrate National Poetry Month

  1. Sign-up for Poem-a-Day and read a poem each morning.

  2. Sign-up to receive a free National Poetry Month poster

  3. Read 2022’s most-read poem by a contemporary poet, Naomi Shihab Nye’s “Kindness.”

  4. Record yourself reading a poem, and share why you chose that work online using the hashtag #ShelterinPoems. Be sure to tag @poetsorg on Twitter and Instagram!

  5. Subscribe to the Poem-a-Day podcast.

  6. Check out an e-book of poetry from your local library.

  7. Begin your virtual meetings or classes by reading a poem.

  8. Talk to the teachers in your life about Teach This Poem and encourage students in grades 5 - 12 to participate in the Dear Poet project

  9. Learn more about poets and virtual poetry events nationwide.

  10. Read about your state poet laureate.

  11. Browse Poems for Kids.

  12. Buy a book of poetry from your local bookstore.

  13. Make a poetry playlist.

  14. Browse the glossary of terms and try your hand at writing a formal poem.

  15. Create an online anthology of your favorite poems on Poets.org.

  16. Organize a poetry reading, open mic, or poetry slam via a video conferencing service. 

  17. Sign up for an poetry class or workshop.

  18. Donate books of poetry to little free libraries and mutual aid networks.

  19. Research and volunteer with poetry organizations in your area.

  20. Take a walk and write a poem outside.

  21. Start a virtual poetry reading group or potluck, inviting friends to share poems.

  22. Read and share poems about the environment in honor of Earth Day.  

  23. Take on a guerrilla poetry project

  24. Read essays about poetry like Edward Hirsch’s “How to Read a Poem,” Mary Ruefle’s “Poetry and the Moon,” Mark Doty’s “Tide of Voices: Why Poetry Matters Now,” and Muriel Rukeyser’s “The Life of Poetry.”

  25. Watch a movielecture, or video featuring a poet.

  26. Write an exquisite corpse or a renga with friends.

  27. Make a poetry chapbook.

  28. Share a poem for Poem in Your Pocket Day on April 29, 2023, on social media using the hashtag #PocketPoem.

  29. Attend Poetry & the Creative Mind on April 26, 2023, a free, virtual reading of favorite poems in celebration of National Poetry Month.

  30. Make a gift to support the Academy of American Poets free programs and publications and keep celebrating poetry year-round!

 

Want to Try Writing Poetry?