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!
I love that poem~ thank you for sharing!
Glad you like it! 🙂