Midnight Skylark
|
4/4/2007 11:16:16 PM
---- Updated 4/4/2007 11:17:17 PM
Kicks and Joys of National Poetry Month
The first year the Academy of American Poets sponsored National Poetry Month, in 1996, marked the third time the Savannah Writers Workshop published its Savannah Literary Journal. Poetry at that time was still looked at as the literary sport of the nerds.
The seeds of the current spoken word scene had been planted decades before in the salons of Paris and the brownstones of Harlem. But in 1996 it was only starting to blossom into the technologically enhanced popular movement so many of us enjoy in 2007.
The establishment of National Poetry Month made a difference. It brought the sweetness of validation to those long hours that so many of us spent polishing our lines prior to clearing our throats and boldly spitting our truths in cafes, garages, alleys, rooftops, and the backs of bookstores. It also brought with it, for this poet, a profound sense of literary camaraderie and a fantastic resurgence of creative energy. Every year since, that camaraderie and energy have been like a renewed call to the pen that I’m always happy to honor to the best of my ability. Thus far in 2007, my National Poetry Month kicks and joys have included the following:
1) Yes, I bought a new pen.
2) Wrote and posted the poem: The Poet-Angels Who Came to Dinner .
3) Watched for the umpteenth time the video, “Pinero,” on the life of Nuyorican poet-playwright Miguel Pinero. I also checked out “Candy” because I thought the emphasis on poetry was going to be stronger than it was. Even though that wasn’t the case, the one slam of a poem it does contain and what the movie says about mixing drug addiction with love addiction and creativity made it a good watch.
4) Joined the Academy of American Poets and started several notebooks there.
5) Posted on Amazon Connect a blog about American poet David Hightower.
6) Gorged myself on works by poets at AuthorsDen and Got Poetry.
7) Started shopping around for new poetry books and spoken word cds to buy. Maybe another blog will cover whatever I find.
Although April is the official month for expressing one’s appreciation of poetry, that doesn’t mean I can’t extend this list throughout the rest of the year.
Oh yeah: April is also Jazz Appreciation Month, so I'll be posting a word or two about that as well.
Aberjhani
|
|