"At the most important moments, when everyone else is silent, poetry rises to speak."

~ Ralph Fletcher, Poetry Matters

A friend issued a challenge to a group of us to observe National Poetry Month, not necessarily by writing poetry every day (though we're certainly free to do so!), but by bringing it to the forefront for the 30 days of April.

I thought I'd use my blog as a place to explore and share some findings.

I'm not familiar with poetry at all. I know nothing of its technicalities, rules or structures, I've no favourite poem, and a lot of older poetry I just don't get.

But some of the newer stuff I do.

Here's one I received from a dear friend to kick off the month (thank you K.). It made me weep.

The Word by Tony Hoagland

Down near the bottom

of the crossed-out list

of things you have to do today,

between "green thread"

and "broccoli" you find

that you have penciled "sunlight."

Resting on the page, the word

is as beautiful, it touches you

as if you had a friend

and sunlight were a present

he had sent you from some place distant

as this morning —to cheer you up,

and to remind you that,

among your duties, pleasure

is a thing,

that also needs accomplishing

Do you remember?

that time and light are kinds

of love, and love

is no less practical

than a coffee grinder

or a safe spare tire?

Tomorrow you may be utterly

without a clue

but today you get a telegram,

from the heart in exile

proclaiming that the kingdom

still exists,

the king and queen alive,

still speaking to their children,

—to any one among them

who can find the time,

to sit out in the sun and listen.

~~~

I hope to touch on poetry here at least every weekend, maybe more if the mood strikes.

I may share more poems, some of my own writings or maybe some interesting resources I find for the uninitiated, like me.

I hope you'll join me.

~~~

Do you have a favourite poem or poet? I'd love to get some suggested readings!