Whether you realize it or not, poetry is an everyday part of your life: the lyrics of a song, the prose in a childen’s story, the cadence of the evening news, and even the order and choice of the words you say are all types of poetry.
“And why should I care?” you might ask. Well, it depends on you and what you could get out of it. That’s how poetry works: creatively, individually, unexpectedly. Why not try it for a month and see for yourself?
Here are some easy ideas, courtesy of the folks at Poets.org. For the full list, created in honor of Poetry Month, click here.
Don’t worry. You don’t have to write one. Unless you want to. In which case, go for it!
The Daily Poem
Just sign up, and Poets.org will send a daily poem to your inbox for the month.
The Unexpected Poem
Put a love poem in the mirror for your honey in the morning. Drop one in a lunch box. Write a special poem to your child in the cover of his or her favorite book. Need poem ideas? Here’s a wonderful list to get you started.
The Pavement Poem
I’m not sure why I love this idea so much, but I do. Write a fun poem in chalk on your sidewalk. Might I suggest something from Dr. Seuss or Shel Silverstein?
The Pocket Poem
Print or write a poem you love and carry it in your pocket for a day. Share it with family and friends, or just enjoy reading it to yourself, at lunch, over coffee, or while you’re waiting for your next turn in Words with Friends.
The Digital Poem
There are plenty of opportunities to circulate your favorite poem through social media avenues like Facebook, Google+, Twitter, Pinterest, etc. Or simply personalize your e-mail signatures with a stanza from a favorite piece of prose.
The Poem Game
This is good-old-fashion fun for a family meal, dinner party, or maybe even a baby or wedding shower? Everyone writes a sentence or rhyming couplet individually, given a general topic. Then one person reads the compiled lines all together. The result can be surprising, hilarious, absurd, or even beautiful.
The Memorized Poem
I had to memorize “The Road Not Taken” by Robert Frost in ninth grade, and I’ve been amazed how many times it’s come up in conversation. Memorize a poem. Impress yourself. Impress your friends.
The Poem Notebook
Print out some favorite poems (maybe even write your own?) and put them in a scrapbook. If that’s too crafty for you, Poets.org has an easy (free!) tool to build a virtual book online.
The Poem Reading
Okay, maybe this one’s just for me. I’ve always wanted to go to (or … knees trembling … maybe even participate in?) a poetry reading. And you know what they say about wanting: It’s a clue to what you should be doing.
The Mailed Poem
By now you should know I remain a big fan of old-school, snail-mail letters. You can’t get much more easy (or meaningful) than printing out a poem and sending it to a special family member or friend. Heck, that’s easier than typing an e-mail.
The Donated Poem
Many libraries are undergoing severe cuts in funding, and poetry isn’t always high on the list of must-haves. Consider donating a used or new book of poems you love. Think of all the enjoyment your fellow community members might receive from your act of sharing.
Try one, two, or them all, and let me know how it goes. I’ll do the same. Happy Poetry Friday!
My Castle Heart Publications 
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