April is National Poetry Month!

National Poetry Month was inaugurated by the Academy of American Poets in 1996. Over the years, it has become the largest literary celebration in the world with schools, publishers, libraries, booksellers, and poets celebrating poetry’s vital place in our culture. Click here to learn more.

Here at Random Acts of Writing, I’ll be writing a poem a day at part of NaPoWriMo…or attempting to, at least, muse willing. Join me? Or check out these other…

30 Ways to Celebrate National Poetry Month

Sign-up for Poem-a-Day and read a poem each morning.
Download a free National Poetry Month poster and display it for the occasion.
Read 2020’s most-read poem, Naomi Shihab Nye’s “Kindness.”
Record yourself reading a poem, and share why you chose that work online using the hashtag #ShelterinPoems. Be sure to tag @poetsorg on twitter and instagram!
Subscribe to the Poem-a-Day podcast.
Check out an e-book of poetry from your local library.
Begin your virtual meetings or classes by reading a poem.
Talk to the teachers in your life about Teach This Poem.
Learn more about poets and virtual poetry events nation-wide.
Read about your state poet laureate.
Browse Poems for Kids.
Buy a book of poetry from your local bookstore or from Three Chairs Publishing.
Make a poetry playlist.
Browse the glossary of terms and try your hand at writing a formal poem.
Create an online anthology of your favorite poems on Poets.org.
Attend a poetry reading, open mic, or poetry slam via a video conferencing service.
Sign up for an online poetry class or workshop.
Donate books of poetry to little free libraries and mutual aid networks.
Research and volunteer with poetry organizations in your area.
Take a socially safe walk and write a poem outside.
Start a virtual poetry reading group or potluck, inviting friends to share poems.
Read and share poems about the environment in honor of Earth Day.
Take on a socially safe guerrilla poetry project.
Read essays about poetry like Edward Hirsch’s “How to Read a Poem,” Mary Ruefle’s “Poetry and the Moon,” Mark Doty’s “Tide of Voices: Why Poetry Matters Now,” and Muriel Rukeyser’s “The Life of Poetry.”
Watch a movie, lecture, or video featuring a poet.
Write an exquisite corpse or a renga with friends via email or text.
Make a poetry chapbook.
Make a poem to share on Poem in Your Pocket Day on April 29, 2020.
Submit your poems to a literary magazine or poetry journal.
Make a gift to support the Academy of American Poets free programs and publications and keep celebrating poetry year-round!