A poem for your pocket 2020

Poetry is an awesome way to celebrate words, emotions, and events. And right now, as we shelter in place, poetry is even more important. According to the American Academy of Poets:

Now, as we face an unprecedented circumstance, National Poetry Month has taken on new meaning and importance. More and more people are turning to poetry at this moment, because poetry and inspiring language can help bring solace and needed strength.

American Academy of Poets

Every April, poets, authors, librarians, and people who love words celebrate National Poetry Month, sponsored by the American Academy of Poets and Poets.org. And today, April 30, is a special day in a month of special days. The American Academy of Poets encourages everyone to share poems today, in person and on social media. Write a poem in chalk on the sidewalk! Share it in a note that you drop on a neighbor’s porch. Post it on Instagram! Do whatever it takes to get poems out there! We need them!

In honor of Poem in Your Pocket Day, here’s a short, inspiring poem for you to share:

The Rider

by Naoimi Shihab Nye

A boy told me

if he roller-skated fast enough

his loneliness couldn’t catch up to him,

the best reason I ever heard

for trying to be a champion.

What I wonder tonight

pedaling hard down King William Street

is if it translates to bicycles.

A victory! To leave your loneliness

panting behind you on some street corner

while you float free into a cloud of sudden azaleas,

pink petals that have never felt loneliness,

no matter how slowly they fell.

Isn’t it lovely? What poem will you share? #pocketpoem #ShelterInPoems

Thanks for getting poetic with me!

Julia Tomiak
I believe in the power of words to improve our lives, and I help people find interesting words to read. Member of SCBWI.

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