April is National Poetry Month. Launched by the Academy of American Poets in 1996, National Poetry Month marks the importance of poets and poetry in our culture. Over the years, it has become the largest literary celebration in the world, with millions of teachers, students, librarians, booksellers, and, of course, poets recognizing the impact of poetry in our daily lives. Events are held across the nation on social media, at local poetry readings, in the classroom, and at the Poetry & the Creative Mind virtual gala on April 24^th. This year’s theme is “Family in its Many Forms”—birth family, found and chosen family, and family that defies categorization. But any poem can be celebrated.  

One of my own “family” poems was written about my family of dear friends.

Sweet Memories
by Dee Bowlin

Our memories are gifts 
to cherish for years.
While most make us smile, 
a few will bring tears.
Tied up in neat bows, 
our hearts hold them all.
Each friend stands in line 
with gifts, large or small.
No matter the miles 
or years in between,
our bonds will remain 
with stories we glean.
As time donates more 
sweet keepsakes to hold,
there’ll always be room 
for the new with the old.

This year, April 10^th is Poem in Your Pocket Day, a day specified to encourage people to engage with poetry by carrying a favorite poem with them and sharing it with others. To participate, select your favorite poem, old or new, or write your own. Carry it in your pocket, and recite it to your family, friends, and people you meet throughout the day or on social media using the hashtag #PocketPoem or #PoeminYourPocketDay.

Celebrate your favorite poet or become one yourself. There are many different styles of poetry, but jotting down your feelings is the place to start. How do you feel in springtime? Who makes you happy? Has an event made you sad or glad? Did you hear a song that touched your heart? Did songbirds and squirrels brighten your day? Poems don’t have to rhyme or follow exact rules when you are writing them for yourself. Pour out your feelings, and you will be surprised how other people feel the same way and relate to your honest words.

As a poet myself, I may write a poem in thirty minutes, or it may take weeks to find the perfect words I need to express my feelings. Over the years, I find that most of my poems are sparked by a person or event in my life. Those of you who have read my book, Finding Splendid Shelter: A Memoir with Poetry and Photographs, have seen how people, places, and events triggered most of my poetry. Click on My Book page on this website, read some of my poems scattered in my weekly blogs, and read the first few pages of my book on Amazon.com, where I encourage you to look at reviews of my book and purchase a copy for yourself.