Celebrate poetry with library, online features
The poet T.S. Eliot wrote, "April is the cruelest month," but the Academy of American Poets hopes to lessen that effect with a month-long celebration of poetry.
The academy has led this initiative since 1996, along with such impressive partners as government agencies and officials, arts and literary organizations, publishers, poets themselves, and yes, libraries.
In our area, the Highland Park Public Library is hosting Illinois Poet Laureate Kevin Stein on April 17 at 7 p.m. at the library. Appointed Illinois Poet Laureate in 2003 by Gov. Blagojevich, Stein will read some of his poems and lead a discussion about his work. Afterward, Stein will be available to sign copies of his books. Meet Stein electronically on his Web site at www.poetlaureate.il.gov.
On Saturday, at the Skokie Public Library, Gail Lukasik, a local poet, essayist and novelist led a poetry workshop, "Six Ways to Write a Poem."
Lukasik has taught creative writing at the University of Illinois, Chicago and at the Ragdale Institute in Lake Forest. She led workshop participants through six writing exercises to inspire six different poems. The workshop was free and open to all. Patricia Groh, coordinator of community services at the library, says, "Gail has led workshops here before and I've been amazed at what she is able to bring out from attendees. Actually, I think they surprise themselves."
The Ela Area Public Library also has planned a special poetry event. On Friday, from 7 to 9 p.m., young people in grades 7 to 12 and adults are invited to bring their poetry, short stories and acoustic music to share in an inspiring environment at the Arts in Action Gallery on the corner of Main Street and Old Rand Road in Lake Zurich. The program is free, but registration is necessary.
Janice N. Harrington, Assistant Professor of English at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, will read from her poetry on April 13 at 2 p.m. in the Evanston Public Library's Community Meeting Room.
Harrington will receive the Kate Tufts Discovery Award later this month for her first book of poetry, "Even the Hollow My Body Made is Gone."
While events are great for inspiring enthusiasm about poetry, I have found the Web to be a wonderful stimulus for poetry appreciation.
I subscribe to Garrison Keillor's Writer's Almanac. I get an e-mail message daily consisting of a poem and some literary history. I don't read it every day and I don't always "get" the poem, but I usually really enjoy both.
The Almanac is also available as a podcast. Go to writersalmanac.publicradio.org for a sample newsletter. If you like it, you can sign up.
Ten years ago, Larry Janowski, a local poet and a great proponent of poetry, started sending friends a poem a day during April. I love his taste in poetry and last year for the first time enjoyed his selections via a mutual acquaintance. This year I'm signing up for my own subscription and you can, too. Contact Janowski at janowskipoetrymonth@gmail.com to be added to his list.
The Academy of American Poets also will send you a poem a day during Poetry Month. Go to www.poets.org/poemADay.php to sign up.
Don't let April be cruel to you -- fight back. Resolve now to get some poetry into your life this month by visiting a library or bookstore for poetry books or programs or by signing up for some on-line poetry.
Poetry has everything -- humor, tragedy, irony, story, passion, love and of course, music. Don't miss it.