National Poetry Month 

By Lara Palmer 

Started in April 1996 by the Academy of American Poets, National Poetry Month is a time to celebrate and remember the poets of the past and future. There have been many great poets, some even immortalized in works of fiction to remember and honor their lives and work.  

Some well-known poets were Edgar Allen Poe (1809-1849), Emily Dickinson (1830-1886), Oscar Wilde (1854-1900), Homer (unknown), and William Shakespeare (1564-1616). They will live on through their words that millions of people read all the time.  

Students around the country read and write poetry to learn and keep the craft alive. There are various up and coming poets currently publishing their works spanning from high schoolers to college students to adults. This month is dedicated to the appreciation of the time and effort and passion put into these words past and present. 

Ten people were interviewed and asked if they enjoyed poetry. Six of them said they enjoyed poetry and like to read it, one person stating, “it is interesting to read the words because many were from years ago but are still around today.” On the other hand, four said that they do not like poetry. 

Mrs. Wensel was asked her opinion on poetry and said, “I think poetry can be so many things – beautiful, scary, therapeutic! Lots of people think poetry has to be this traditional and formal thing but every song you hear is poetry and there is a big movement into slam poetry on TikTok.” She also went on to say who her favorite poet is, “There are several poets that I really enjoy for different reasons. I really like Rupi Kaur and what she has done to highlight poetry for younger generations.” 

There are many ways for people to celebrate this poetry and writing and reading it is only a small part.