Prior to FBC, poetry and I were akin to oil and water. I didn’t blame the poetry or the poets, for that matter. No, I just chalked it up to “not being my thing.” A funny thing happened on the way to the doctor’s office, though. All of a sudden poems started giving me goosebumps. Not all of them, mind you. Many still leave me scratching my head. The Silver Lining, however is that I attempt to read those that initially present as inaccessible.
April is National Poetry month. Did you know that? Probably you did. I sure didn’t. According to the guru poetry site, National Poetry month was inaugurated by the Academy of American Poets in 1996. Now held every April, schools, publishers, libraries, booksellers, and poets throughout the United States band together to celebrate poetry and its vital place in American culture. Thousands of organizations participate through readings, festivals, book displays, workshops, and other events.
I happen to think that it is a wonderful Silver Lining to think about the dissemination of poetry. Here is a new favorite of mine: May the Stars Carry Your Sadness Away by Chief Dan George. I hope that you enjoy it as well!
That is lovely, Hollye. I've never been a big poetry person, either. I recently saw this one, though, and it really struck me. I would like to paint it on the wall of a very sunny breakfast room painted yellow (if I ever have one.)
Afternoon on a Hill
Edna St. Vincent Millay (1892–1950)
I WILL be the gladdest thing
Under the sun!
I will touch a hundred flowers
And not pick one.
I will look at cliffs and clouds
With quiet eyes,
Watch the wind bow down the grass,
And the grass rise.
And when lights begin to show
Up from the town,
I will mark which must be mine,
And then start down!
Beautiful, Victoria. This is just beautiful. Thank you for sharing!