APRIL IS NATIONAL POETRY MONTH!

            Do you remember where you were when you first heard the poem that lifted your spirits, gave you wings and inspired you to fly? Or even the first romantic poem that moved your heart and caused you to sing the song of love? Do you remember the poem that boiled your blood at the social injustices of the world and ignited the passion of justice within you? Author/Poet, Jeri L.M.S. Guyette shares this memory with us:

            “I have always loved poetry! Robert Frost, Elizabeth Barrett Browning and Ann Sexton were staples in my young library. The first time that I was introduced to a poet of color was at the age of nine. I was in my fourth grade class and my teacher, Mrs. Bradley, read “Cotton Candy on a Rainy Day” by poet Nikki Giovanni. My first thought was ‘cotton candy on a rainy day would surely melt!’ But, what caught my attention was the manner in which she wrote. Nikki’s verbiage was that of modern day language in which I could relate. When I discovered that she was also a Black woman my interest in her poetry was piqued. I had never encountered poetry like hers before and it was something about reading her other works such as Nikki~Rosa and Kidnap Poem that inspired me as a young writer to continue to put pen to paper and write ‘til my heart’s content! I will never forget that moment! Poetry to this day moves me!”

            For more information about poet Nikki Giovanni visit: www.nikki-giovanni.com

If you haven’t read poetry in quite sometime due to the hustle and bustle of life why not visit your local library and check out their featured books of poetry, or better yet, purchase your very own book of poetry to add to your collection at home. Visit the Academy of American Poets website at www.poets.org  to find out what’s happening with poetry this month. Also, don’t forget to browse our website for poetic excerpts from Jeri and add a copy of her book …And This Too Shall Pass ~ A Poetic Gallery ~ to your collection.

Poetically,

CASA ZIA PRODUCTIONS