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5 Fun Ideas to Bring Poetry Into Your Book Club

Updated: Apr 06, 2023

Blog

Author

Carrie Thornbrugh

" Poetry is not a luxury, it is a vital necessity of our existence. It forms the quality of the light within which we predicate our hopes and dreams toward survival and change, first made into language, then into idea, then into more tangible action. Poetry is the way we help give name to the nameless so it can be thought. The farthest horizons of our hopes and fears are cobbled by our poems, carved from the rock experiences of our daily lives.” —Audre Lorde

 

 

 

 

April is National Poetry Month in the United States, a time for celebrating the art of poetry and its power to capture the human experience in all its complexity. It is a time to honor the poets who have come before us and those who continue to inspire us with their words. Poetry has been a powerful medium of expression for centuries, and it continues to captivate readers around the world. 

 

One of the most exciting aspects of National Poetry Month is the opportunity it provides for people to engage with poetry in new and meaningful ways, inviting people to explore the power of language and the art of expression as well as push the boundaries of what is possible with language and form.

 

There are many ways to participate in National Poetry Month, whether you are a seasoned poet or simply a lover of language. Read on for contemporary poetry recommendations, poetry resources, and creative ways to incorporate poetry into your book club.

 

 

Read poetry every day

Sign up for Poem-A-Day from poets.org to have a poem by a contemporary poet emailed to you each day in April or follow one of our fave Instagram accounts, Poetry is a Not a Luxury, which shares poems and excerpts daily. Consider selecting one of recommended poetry books below for your April book club meeting and ask each member to share their favorite poem from the collection. For a less organized approach, you can simply ask your members to come ready to share their favorite poem or poet of all time, recite the poem aloud for the group and discuss.

 

 

Write a poem with your book club

Even if you’ve never written poetry before, National Poetry Month is the perfect time to try this fun, new activity with your book club. Don’t worry about making it perfect – just let your words flow and see where they take you. You can even create a shared poem with your book club with each member writing their own line for a collaborative poem! The heady Surrealists called this game, Exquisite Corpse.

 

 

Share your favorite poems on social media

Use the hashtag #NationalPoetryMonth to connect with others who are celebrating poetry this month. Tag Bookclubs and we’ll share your post!

 

 

Join a poetry book club or writing group

There’s no better way to improve your writing than by learning from others who share your passion for language and expression. Better yet, join a creative writing book club or check out the Profound Experience of Poetry Book Club which meets online every second Sunday to discuss poetry. Their current read is Woman with Hat by Lucy K. Shaw.

 

 

Attend a poetry reading

Many poets and writers give readings and book signings during National Poetry Month, so check your local events calendar to see what’s happening in your area.


 

Recommended Reading:

Poetry is an ever-evolving art form, with new voices and perspectives emerging every year. Below is a list of some of the best new poetry books that have been published or are set to be published in 2023 and recent years. Whether you are a long-time fan of poetry or a newcomer to the art form, these books are sure to inspire and challenge you.
 



 

We hope these tips encourage you to embrace the power of poetry and its ability to connect us to one another and to the world around us. As the poet Rumi once said, “Poetry is the art of uniting pleasure with truth.” Let’s unite in our love of language and celebrate the beauty and power of poetry this April. 

 

 

The 2023 poster was designed by Marc Brown, creator of the popular Arthur book and PBS television series.

 

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