Today is Put a Poem in Your Pocket Day

 

This is Put a Poem in Your Pocket Day. It is a time to turn to your favorite poets and to share poetry that you enjoy. I have selected a poem called "Winter Stars" by Sara Teasdale as my pick for this national celebration of poetry. Sara Teasdale was born in 1884 and died in 1933. 

Her poem is one of sorrow, but also of natural beauty and the peace it can bring to us. Pick a poem you like and read it today, then share with others. 

Winter Stars

I went out at night alone;

  The young blood flowing beyond the sea

Seemed to have drenched my spirit’s wings—

  I bore my sorrow heavily.

But when I lifted up my head

  From shadows shaken on the snow,

I saw Orion in the east

  Burn steadily as long ago.

From windows in my father’s house,

  Dreaming my dreams on winter nights,

I watched Orion as a girl

  Above another city’s lights.

Years go, dreams go, and youth goes too,

   The world’s heart breaks beneath its wars,

All things are changed, save in the east

  The faithful beauty of the stars.

---Sara Teasdale

Celebrate Poetry Month

April is National Poetry month. So, what are you going to do to celebrate? A poetry website I found lists 30 ways to celebrate National Poetry month. I must admit there were some I'd probably never do, but a few others did seem possible. Check out their suggestions. 

Poetry is not for everyone but more people would gain an appreciation of it if they gave it a chance. What does a poem do?

A poem: 

can be soothing

paints a picture with words

conveys new ideas for some readers

can be beautiful

can be powerful

can be emotional

might tickle your funnybone

is sometimes difficult to understand

What other things do you think a poem can be? What does poetry do for you? Or does it turn you off? Tell us why with a comment.

Sara Teasdale is one of my favorite poets. The website I've linked to gives you a brief biography of Ms. Teasdale and a list that will link you to her many poems. The poem I've included below is lovely and bears reading more than once. In fact, most poems should be read multiple times. I find that I see more with each reading. Start celebrating April's National Poetry Month by reading Sara Teasdale's words. (Note that many poems use the first line as title)

"I Have Loved Hours at Sea"

I have loved hours at sea, gray cities,
The fragile secret of a flower,
Music, the making of a poem
That gave me heaven for an hour;

First stars above a snowy hill,
Voices of people kindly and wise,
And the great look of love, long hidden,
Found at last in meeting eyes.

I have loved much and been loved deeply --
Oh when my spirit's fire burns low,
Leave me the darkness and the stillness,
I shall be tired and glad to go. 

Sarah Teasdale