Poetry Talk

You might compare someone to a summer's day, but hope springs eternal... or something like that. Doesn't it seem like most seasonal poems are written about springtime? I suppose it's no wonder, since spring often means relief to many people from winter doldrums. It really is one of the most beautiful times of the year, and given how many people used to get married in the spring/early summer, it's also prime season for love poems.

From Wordsworth's "Lines Written in Early Spring" to Gerald Manley Hopkins' "Spring," there is no shortage of spring poems to choose from if you're doing a spring unit. There are plenty to compare and contrast, although I'd argue that springtime poems probably have the most similarities of any poems.

What do you think? What are your favorite poems about springtime? Why? Which ones are not to be missed?

Recently I was given a copy of Daily Warm Ups: Poetry by Shari Goldberg and my kiddo and I are loving this fun introduction to poetry. It's filled with not only snippets of poems to analyze but also creative writing assignments, many of which include some doodling to keep it interesting. 

One of my favorite exercises so far was to simply write the opposite of words like singing, writing and wall. It's a fun challenge to the way you normally think! Even though it doesn't involve actually writing poems, it gets your mind where it needs to be when you want to create.

What daily poetry books do you enjoy? Share them here in the chat.

Do you remember the first time a poem just got you in the gut? How about the first time that imagery spoke to you and you were able to suss out the meaning by yourself? Those kinds of memories stay with us forever.

Earlier today I was watching a really great SLAM poet, and I wish I could find her link to share, but the way I felt about her words made me remember how deeply I felt about many poems over the years. I can still remember the sting of my eyes when I teared up over Robert Frost's "After Apple Picking" once I realized what had happened, or the way I gasped when I realized what Tennyson's "Home They Brought Her Warrior Dead" meant.

What was your first big reaction to a poem? Do you remember? Share it with us in the chat.

Do you have a local poetry slam or other poetry reading or event that you'd like to share? Be sure to post it here at Poetry Talk for other poetry lovers to enjoy!

One particularly special poetry slam is happening to help prison inmates express themselves and engage in art and healing. It's at Lincoln Correctional Center and the recreation manager says that it's one of the programs that actually does help people. The eight-week program doesn't only foster a creative outlet but it also showcases the talents of people who are incarcerated.

Do you have a similar program where you live or any other slams going on? Share them with us in the chat.