International/National Poetry Month

For Freshwater Poets  

 

after “There are three rules for writing …

unfortunately, no one knows what they are.”       W. Somerset Maugham 

 

Here are my four: 

 

1 

swim mid-stream, letting your luminescent scenes slide between stanza currents 

 

2 

hold roe underwater in mud reeds to nest until future phrases, hatched, are ready to breech the surface 

 

3 

push back silencing dams, and with sharp, silver-ink fins and tails sculpt images cold wet onto shores, sandy, shale, or reefed 

 

4 

aqua-breathe life into every last netted comma and dash – then throw them back into the water to spawn 

 

 Karen Pierce Gonzalez

 

Much Ado About Poetry This Month!

The word 'poetry' comes from the Greek word poiesis which means 'making'.  It is a form of literature that uses rhythm and intentional syntax choices to convey sentiment and sensations.

Poetry has a long oral history that dates back to prehistoric hunter-gatherer periods and early written form occurs in texts estimated to be from the 25th century BCE. In some instances they evolved into folk songs like those of the Chinese Shijing and epics, such as the Iliad.

Today's poetic landscape is sprouting varieties around the globe that include slams (fast-paced memorized with rap-like beats) and more. Poems are popping out of English classrooms and onto basketball courts, malls, and airport lobbies where free-spirited poets create works on the spot.

Because April is both International and National Poetry Month, there are a plethora of poetic adventures to be had. Most, if not all, of them are online (virtual) opportunities.  

Here are a few:

• Download a free copy of Poetry Foundation's April issue.   Click here
• Attend Allographic Virtual Open Mic April 30. Click here 
• Speak the Word, weekly writing workshops. Click here 
• Workshops and readings at Poetry Day Ireland 2023 April 26.   Click here