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National Poetry Month

Join us in celebrating National Poetry Month, and explore the world of words through captivating rhymes and stories!
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When it is?
April 1
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Country
United States
Introduction

April is the perfect time to celebrate the beauty and power of poetry with National Poetry Month on April 1! This day has been around since 1996, when it was initiated by the Academy of American Poets to increase awareness and appreciation of poetry in our culture. From ancient epics to modern masterpieces, poets have been using their words to express themselves for centuries. Whether you prefer classic sonnets or slam poetry, this month is a great opportunity to explore new forms of poetry, discover your own poetic voice, and share your favorite pieces with friends and family!

History of National Poetry Month

National Poetry Month Dates

National Poetry Month Timeline

<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1996</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>National Poetry Month Established</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Academy of American Poets launches National Poetry Month to celebrate poetry and its vital place in culture.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1998</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Spread to Canada</div><div class='timeline-text'>The League of Canadian Poets establishes April as National Poetry Month in Canada.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2001</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>"Poem in Your Pocket Day"</div><div class='timeline-text'>The concept of "Poem in Your Pocket Day" is initiated as part of the National Poetry Month celebrations, encouraging people to carry a poem in their pocket and share it with others.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2006</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Online Initiative - Poets.org</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Academy of American Poets enhances its online engagement by adding new educational resources on poets.org to promote National Poetry Month.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2012</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>"Dear Poet" Project</div><div class='timeline-text'>The "Dear Poet" project is initiated, encouraging students to write letters in response to poems written and read by award-winning poets.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2015</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>National Poetry Month Poster Contest</div><div class='timeline-text'>First-ever "National Poetry Month Poster Contest" for students, adding a visual art component to the celebration of poetry.</div></div></div>

How to Celebrate National Poetry Month

<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Read a poem</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take some time to read your favorite poem, or find a new one to love. Poetry is a great way to express yourself and show your appreciation for the beauty of language.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Write a poem</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Don't be intimidated by the thought of writing a poem. Just take some time to sit down and get creative. Writing poetry can be a great way to express yourself and explore new ideas.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Attend readings</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Check out some local readings and open mics to listen to some talented poets. It's a great way to discover new voices, and maybe even get inspired to write your own poems.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Share your poem</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>One of the best ways to celebrate National Poetry Month is to share your poem with others. You can post it on social media, share it with friends, or submit it to literary journals.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Organize an event</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Organizing a poetry event is a great way to bring together likeminded people and celebrate the power of words. Whether it's an open mic night or a poetry slam, it's sure to bring out some amazing talent.</p></div></div>

Why We Love National Poetry Month

<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It celebrates the power of language</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Poetry is a powerful form of expression that allows people to express their innermost feelings and thoughts in beautiful, meaningful ways. It's important to take time to appreciate and celebrate this form of art and recognize its ability to spark emotion and understanding.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It encourages collaboration & creativity</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>National Poetry Month is an excellent opportunity for people to come together and share their work. Whether it's writing a poem or sharing one already written, collaborating with others helps bring out the best in everyone. Plus, it often sparks new ideas and energizes creatives minds!</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It promotes literacy</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Reading and writing poetry can encourage better reading comprehension, increase focus, and improve communication skills. This can help promote higher levels of literacy which is essential for success in any profession. Plus, getting lost in the beauty of poetry can be a great way to relax after a long day!</p></div></div>

5 Unexpected Facts for National Poetry Month

<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Poetry can potentially improve mental health</h3><p class='facts-content'>Several studies suggest that poetry writing can act as a form of therapy, helping people process and express their emotions, which could lead to improved mental well-being.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Haiku: An Ancient Form of Poetry With Specific Rules</h3><p class='facts-content'>Originating from Japan, a Haiku consists of only three lines and 17 syllables. The first and third lines have 5 syllables each, while the second line has 7.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Shakespeare wrote more than just plays</h3><p class='facts-content'>William Shakespeare is renowned for his plays, but he also penned 154 sonnets, widely regarded as some of the best poems in the English language.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Poetry dates back almost 4000 years</h3><p class='facts-content'>The Epic of Gilgamesh — believed to be the oldest known work of literature — was written in poetic form in 2000 BC, proving that poetry truly stands the test of time.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Poetry can help improve memory</h3><p class='facts-content'>The rhythmic patterns in poetry and the process of memorizing lines can help strengthen synapses in the brain, leading to stronger cognitive function and improved memory.</p></div></div>

National Poetry Month FAQs

When is National Poetry Month?

National Poetry Month is celebrated on April 1 every year. In 2024, National Poetry Month will occur on a Monday.

National Poetry Month Dates

Year
Date
Day

2023

Apr 1

Saturday

2024

Apr 1

Monday

2025

Apr 1

Tuesday

2026

Apr 1

Wednesday

2027

Apr 1

Thursday

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