“Poetry
She wrote poems
because words were the only
way to bleed
without leaving a mess.”
This striking verse by poet Lang Leav captures the raw emotional power of poetry. When Amanda Gorman, the first National Youth Poet Laureate, delivered her unforgettable poem at the 2020 presidential inauguration, she reminded the nation how poetry gives voice to our fears, dreams, and collective hopes.
April is National Poetry Month—a time to celebrate the power of language, creativity, and connection. Poetry helps us express what’s often difficult to say. Studies show that reading, writing, and speaking poetry can support our mental health by reducing stress, helping us process grief, and improving mood. For those facing illness, hardship, or emotional upheaval, poetry can offer comfort, perspective, and healing. Even caregivers benefit from the clarity and release poetry provides.
Whether you’re a lifelong poetry lover or new to the genre, your library is the perfect place to celebrate. Browse our shelves for poetry collections, find “pocket poems” to carry with you, or enjoy a quiet space to write your own. You might even discover poets whose words speak to your soul more than you expected.
To learn more about the health benefits of poetry, visit artsandmindlab.org. For information and inspiration throughout April, check out Poets.org.
“Poetry is what we turn to in the most emotional moments of our life—when a beloved friend dies, when a baby is born, or when we fall in love.” — Erica Jong
Celebrate National Poetry Month at your library—where every poem is a doorway to understanding.