The Solace of Poetry
April 01, 2022 |
| Photo by Ksenia Makagonova on Unsplash |
April is National Poetry Month in the U.S., and almost every year I write a blog post to promote it. Why? Because since my teens, reading poetry has brought both happiness and solace—a simple pleasure I like to share here on Catching Happiness.
And also I need the reminder to include more poetry in my
reading life. I usually read one or two books of poetry each year, and I still
subscribe to a weekly email from American Life in Poetry (see link below), but
National Poetry Month reminds me to read more.
For the poetry curious
If you’re curious about poetry, or would like to get back to
reading it, here are a few easy ways to get started:
Sign up for Poem-a-Day here.
If a poem a day is too much, subscribe to American Life in
Poetry’s once-a-week poem newsletter.
Listen to the Poetry Foundation’s Poetry Off the Shelf
podcast.
Enjoy some Spring Poems—classic and contemporary poems to
celebrate the advent of spring.
Author and blogger Modern Mrs. Darcy (Anne Bogel) has written several posts on poetry, including this one. You might also enjoy hearing her discussion of poetry with her friend and poet Dave Harrity on Episode 75 of What Should I Read Next?
Check my post “It’s National Poetry Month—No Foolin’” for links to apps and other poetry resources.
And for anyone whose interest in the art and culture of Ukraine has been piqued, here are two poets whose work I’ve recently come across: Ilya Kaminsky (“That Map of Bone and Opened Valves”) and Serhiy Zhadan (read two of his poems here).
If you’re a poetry lover, what are your favorite ways to experience poetry?
4 comments
Kathy thank you for sharing the two poets from the Ukraine. I followed your link and read a poem by both of these gentlemen. There was much pain in both poets' writing. Have always thought that poetry often reveals a heart that is seeking a deeper meaning to life. Perhaps poetry brings us closer to the spiritual side that resides in each of us. I hope you are doing fine and enjoying a wonderful weekend. Hugs!
ReplyDeleteHi, Debbie--Interesting thoughts about poetry, and I agree with them. Poetry, for me, encourages slowing down and thinking more deeply. Have a great week!
Deletewonderful post
ReplyDeleteGlad you enjoyed it!
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