Sign-up for Poem-a-Day, curated this month by award-winning poet Naomi Shihab Nye, and read a poem each morning.
Sign-up to receive a free National Poetry Month poster, featuring a line by 2021 Presidential Inaugural Poet and 2017 National Youth Poet Laureate, Amanda Gorman, or download the PDF and display it for the occasion.
Read 2021’s most-read poem by a contemporary poet, Amanda Gorman’s “In This Place (An American Lyric).”
Record yourself reading a poem, and share why you chose that work online using the hashtag #NationalPoetryMonth. Be sure to tag @poetsorg on Twitter and Instagram!
Subscribe to the Poem-a-Day podcast.
Check out an e-book of poetry from your local library.
Begin your virtual meetings or classes by reading a poem.
Talk to the teachers in your life about Teach This Poem and encourage students in grades 5-12 to participate in the Dear Poet project.
Learn more about poets and virtual poetry events nationwide.
Read about your state poet laureate.
Browse Poems for Kids.
Buy a book of poetry from your local bookstore.
Browse the glossary of terms and try your hand at writing a formal poem.
Create an online anthology of your favorite poems on Poets.org.
Organize a poetry reading, open mic, or poetry slam via a video conferencing service.
Sign up for a poetry class or workshop.
Donate books of poetry to little free libraries and mutual aid networks.
Research and volunteer with poetry organizations in your area.
Take a walk and write a poem outside.
Start a virtual poetry reading group or potluck, inviting friends to share poems.
Read and share poems about the environment in honor of Earth Day.
Take on a guerrilla poetry project.
Read essays about poetry like Edward Hirsch’s “How to Read a Poem,” Mary Ruefle’s “Poetry and the Moon,” Mark Doty’s “Tide of Voices: Why Poetry Matters Now,” and Muriel Rukeyser’s “The Life of Poetry.”
Write an exquisite corpse or a renga with friends.
Share a poem for Poem in Your Pocket Day on April 29, 2022, on social media using the hashtag #PocketPoem.
Attend Poetry & the Creative Mind on April 28, 2022, a free, virtual reading of favorite poems in celebration of National Poetry Month.
Make a gift to support the Academy of American Poets free programs and publications and keep celebrating poetry year-round!