This is National Poetry Month. Read poetry.
Don’t give it lip service. Read some. Go ahead. Now. Online. Google poetry. Or any poet you’ve ever heard about since birth. Or buy some online (this searches poetry on Amazon).
Write a poem. Be funny. Be sad. Be sweet. Be writing a poem.
A Well-Known Poet Born Today
Today is Edmond Rostand’s birthday (April 1, 1868-December 2, 1918). French poet and dramatist. Best known for giving us Cyrano de Bergerac (who, in real life, was an amazing writer).
To sing, to laugh, to dream, to walk in my own way and be alone, free, with an eye to see things as they are, a voice that means manhood—to cock my hat where I choose—
At a word, a Yes, a No, to fight—or write. To travel any road under the sun, under the stars, nor doubt if fame or fortune lie beyond the bourne—
Never to make a line I have not heard in my own heart; yet, with all modesty to say: “My soul, be satisfied with flowers, with fruit, with weeds even; but gather them in the one garden you may call your own.
–Edmond Rostand, Cyrano de Bergerac
Give me Sandburg or Frost. They are accessible as well, and more subversive than is often appreciated.
Hit the library. The used bookstore. The resale shop. Poetry is easy to find. No excuses.
One way to celebrate is to read poetry aloud to a friend. Be shameless. Read yours, read classic stuff. Just read poetry.
National Poetry Month it is. Do something with it.
BTW: Get on my mailing list. You’ll be glad you did.
