The Power of Poetry: Why You Should Read and Write
Did you know that April is National Poetry Month?
In 1996, the Academy of American Poets launched this month-long celebration to honor the art of poetry and highlight its enduring significance. Throughout the 30 days of April, poets, writers, and literature lovers come together to celebrate and share their passion for this powerful and unique form of writing.
Poetry has always held a special place in my heart. While I haven’t written or read as much poetry in recent years, I turned to it during some of the toughest times growing up. Poetry became my sanctuary—a way to express my emotions and thoughts without fear of judgment. But it wasn’t just the difficult moments that inspired my writing. During the good times, I wrote as a way to capture and appreciate those fleeting moments, holding on to them in words.
How It All Began
I first discovered my love for poetry in middle school. Like many teenagers, I was navigating a sea of changes and emotions. Poetry provided me with an outlet to express what I couldn’t always put into words. I primarily wrote sonnets, sprinkling in some picture poems and free verse for good measure.
By the time I reached high school, my passion for poetry had deepened. I took a poetry class during my junior year, which opened my eyes to new forms of writing. I learned about different types of poems, how to analyze them, and explored the works of renowned poets. What truly captivated me, though, was the opportunity to write my own poetry and share it through school poetry classes and literary magazines. It was a way to express myself, and I was proud to see my work shared with others.
A Special Poem for My Rainbow Baby
As time went on, I experienced many personal milestones, including the birth of my son in 2019—my rainbow baby. For those who may not know, the term “rainbow baby” refers to a child born after a miscarriage, symbolizing hope and renewal after the storm of loss. After experiencing a miscarriage, I had many fears and anxieties during my pregnancy with my son. But when he finally arrived, my world shifted in the most beautiful way. He is a living testament to the rainbow that follows the storm.
In honor of my son, I wrote a poem titled “My Son, My Hope”—a heartfelt tribute to the journey of grief and healing that came with my miscarriage, and the joy and hope my son brought into my life. It is a deeply personal poem that lets me grieve the loss while celebrating the miracle of my son, who changed my world in ways I never imagined.
You can read “My Son, My Hope” and future works, by following my poetry journey!
Exploring the Many Faces of Poetry
Did you know there are over 50 different types of poems? That’s a lot to explore! While it’s impossible to cover them all, here are some of the most popular and fascinating types of poems:
- Sonnet
- Haiku
- Limerick
- Visual
- Ode
- Free Verse
- Villanelle
- Elegy
- Epigram
- Ballad
- Epitaph
- Ekphrastic
Each of these forms offers a unique way to convey emotions, ideas, and stories—whether it’s the rigid structure of a sonnet or the creative freedom of free verse.
Poets Who Inspire Us
Just as there are countless types of poems, there are many poets who have shaped the world of literature. One of my personal favorites is Robert Frost. His poems capture the natural beauty of the world and explore themes of change and life’s fleeting moments. “Nothing Gold Can Stay” is a poem that has always resonated with me—and it’s even referenced in S.E. Hinton’s beloved novel The Outsiders.
Of course, the list of famous poets doesn’t stop there. Walt Whitman, Emily Dickinson, Edgar Allan Poe, and William Shakespeare have all left a lasting imprint on the world of poetry. Their words continue to inspire new generations of writers and readers.
The Unmatched Power of Poetry
Poetry is often an underappreciated art form, but it wields incredible power. Whether you’re reading it or writing it, poetry offers countless emotional, therapeutic, and intellectual benefits. Here’s just a glimpse of what poetry can do for you:
So, how does poetry impact you? What kind of poetry do you enjoy reading or writing? Do you have a favorite poet or poem that speaks to you? I’d love to hear your thoughts—share them in the comments below!
