Poetry--Read It, Write It, Love It

Today is the last day of National Poetry. I used this poster early in the month to make readers aware of what we are celebrating all this month. So, it seemed appropriate to repeat it as we finish this time of recognizing, reading and writing poetry. 

It doesn't mean we should ignore the other eleven months of the year. Certainly not. Instead, it is hoped that the month of giving attention to poems and poets will inspire others to both read and write poetry. 

Do you have a favorite poet? Is it someone from ancient days or a contemporary? A person you know? Or just a poet you admire? 

I have several friends who write and publish poetry. I admire these people as they have no fear of releasing their innermost thoughts and feelings through their writing. They have a desire to share with others, and we readers are often the better for it. I have purchased the books listed below and have read them all more than once. Do read a poem multiple times. So much more comes through the second, third and fourth time. 

Books of poetry by people I know. Find some of them on Amazon. 

Moonstain by Ronda Miller

Music I Once Could Dance To by Roy J. Beckemeyer

Asparagus Roots by Jane Banning

Today, Fish Only by Miho Kinnas

The Museum Muse by Tom Mach

Stage Whispers by Roy J. Beckemeyer

So Runs The Water by Tom Mach

What do you notice about the titles? Each one piques interest; leaves a question or makes you a bit curious. It must be difficult to title a collection of poems. Some poets will use the title of one poem in the book. Others will use the title of a theme that runs through the many poems in the book. The next time you're in a bookstore, go to the poetry section and read the titles. Do some stand out for you more than others? Are there some that you want to remove from the shelf and leaf through? 

Have you ever read or heard a prose writer praised with a comment like His prose reads like poetry? A high honor indeed. 

We say farewell to National Poetry Month today, but I hope that you will make time to read or write some poetry the rest of the year, too.