Day 104: National Poetry Month

Ink runs from the corners of my mouth.
There is no happiness like mine.
I have been eating poetry.

—from “Eating Poetry” by Mark Strand

Inaugurated by the Academy of American Poets in 1996, National Poetry Month is now held every April, when publishers, booksellers, literary organizations, libraries, schools and poets around the country band together to celebrate poetry and its vital place in American culture. Thousands of businesses and non-profit organizations participate through readings, festivals, book displays, workshops, and other events.

National Poetry Month is a month-long, national celebration of poetry to widen the attention of individuals and the media—to the art of poetry, to living poets, to our complex poetic heritage, and to poetry books and journals of wide aesthetic range and concern. They hope to increase the visibility and availability of poetry in popular culture while acknowledging and celebrating poetry’s ability to sustain itself in the many places where it is practiced and appreciated.

In coordination with poets, booksellers, librarians, and teachers, the Academy chose a month when poetry could be celebrated with the highest level of participation. Inspired by the successful celebrations of Black History Month (February) and Women's History Month (March), and on the advice of teachers and librarians, April seemed the best time within the year to turn attention toward the art of poetry—in an ultimate effort to encourage poetry readership year-round.

Young Chicago Authors (YCA), founded in 1991 by Bob Boone, encourages self-expression and literacy through creative writing, performance and publication. YCA provides student-centered, artist-led workshops free to youth ages 13-19 in local schools and communities. YCA’s process emphasizes artistic development, mentorship, and creating safe spaces where a young person's life matters. Through their words, young people can promote tolerance and remove barriers to transform their lives and society. Now in its 18th year, YCA serves more than 3000 teens through workshops, performances and publications, and reaches audiences and readership of more than 40,000 adults and teens annually. YCA is home to the youth poetry festival Louder Than A Bomb, and Say What magazine.

Donation $5

To support Young Chicago Authors (YCA), please visit:  http://www.youngchicagoauthors.org/