“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
Poetry has always offered us language for what feels most urgent and most tender. In moments of grief, joy, uncertainty, or transformation, poems give shape to emotions that resist ordinary speech. Their metaphors help us understand ourselves—and each other—more deeply.
That power was vividly on display when Amanda Gorman, the first National Youth Poet Laureate, shared her poem at the 2021 presidential inauguration. Her closing lines resonated across the nation: “There is always light. If only we’re brave enough to see it. If only we’re brave enough to be it.” Poetry, at its best, speaks hope into shared experience.
April is National Poetry Month, a time to celebrate poetry’s ability to connect, comfort, and inspire. Research continues to show that reading and writing poetry can support mental health by reducing stress, processing grief, and improving emotional well-being. For those experiencing illness, loss, or life transitions, poetry can offer solace and clarity. Caregivers, too, often find relief and reflection through poetic expression.
Whether you’re a devoted poetry reader or a curious beginner, your library is an ideal place to explore. Browse contemporary and classic collections, pick up “pocket poems” to carry with you, or set aside time to write your own. You may be surprised which voice speaks most clearly to your own experience.
As poet Lang Leav writes: “Poetry / She wrote poems / because words were the only / way to bleed without leaving a mess.” This brief poem captures the raw emotional power of poetry.
Celebrate National Poetry Month at your library—where every poem opens a doorway to understanding.