I heard a thousand blended notes,
While in a grove I sate reclined,
In that sweet mood when pleasant thoughts
Bring sad thoughts to the mind.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The birds around me hopped and played,
Their thoughts I cannot measure:
But the least motion which they made,
It seemed a thrill of pleasure.
The budding twigs spread out their fan,
To catch the breezy air;
And I must think, do all I can,
That there was pleasure there.
“Lines Written in Early Spring” by William Wordsworth
In 1996, April was dubbed National Poetry Month, thanks to the efforts of the Academy of American Poets. Since that first April, this month has been devoted to the celebration of poetry in all of its forms and the brilliant minds who create these poems. We see poetry in many different ways these days: in books, in song lyrics, in movies and television shows. Poetry has existed and has been used as an emotional and artistic outlet in society for almost as long as humans have existed, which is why we at the Rogers Public Library want to draw attention to National Poetry Month and give our patrons some options to use to celebrate this month with us!
How would you prefer to celebrate National Poetry Month?
- begin each day in April by reading a poem
- try your hand at writing poetry
- learn about your state poet laureate (in Arkansas, that would be Suzanne Rhodes)
- donate your time and/or money to a poetry organization
- of course, read a book of poetry!
Here are some popular poetry book suggestions that you can find right here at the Rogers Public Library.
Shakespeare’s sonnets ; and, A lover’s complaint
Edited, with an introduction, by Stanley Wells
The essential haiku : versions of Basho, Buson, and Issa
Edited and with verse translations by Robert Hass
