National Poetry Month 2023
After several crystal bluebird days, it is drizzling here in the northeast. I’m watching each tiny PLINK hit the window, slowly gathering, picking up steam to finally pool together in a new arrangement. So, of course, my mind turns to words… and poetry.
Like these droplets, words – individual and distinct – come together to create a new idea, a fresh image, or a stirring emotion.
A Writing Kind of Day
It is raining today,
a writing kind of day.
Each word hits the page
like a drop in a puddle,
creating a tiny circle
of trembling feeling
that ripples out
and gathers strength
ringing toward the stars.
- Ralph Fletcher
Poetry is a celebration of words. Fewer in number, poetry heightens our attention to each individual expression. As we share poetry with our students this month, I encourage you to go beyond the constraints of poetic form, especially the tired acrostics. Return to the childlike enjoyment of beat, rhythm, and word play. When set free, amazing results occur.
