April is Poetry Month. What makes poetry different from other forms of writing? Poetry uses an economy of words to paint a picture, amplify an emotion, or provoke deep thoughts. Word Pictures Some poems use words that create a visual representation for the reader. Color, shape, and texture portrayed in fresh ways help the reader experience what the poet sees. These poems plop the reader into a setting, as if they are there. Poets carefully select their words to bring a specific place or landscape to life. Nature often figures prominently in this type of poetry. Emotion Another type of poem is one that amplifies an emotional event. It tugs…
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Celebrate Poetry Month
Writers celebrate poetry month every April. In poetry, ordinary things become extraordinary because the reader feels a connection to the words on the page. We’re all searching for connection amid forced stay at home orders and pandemic quarantines. Thank goodness for FaceTime, Zoom, and all those other platforms that allow us to keep in touch with loved ones and others in our community. Writing Poetry Soothes the Soul Writing poetry gives us time to reflect, to take stock. To examine our emotions. Whether you’re shooting for humor or poignancy, consider free verse, sonnet, and rhyme to get you there. Here is an exercise to close out poetry month. Listen, really…
