National Poetry Month...Not Again!

Growing up, one of my grandmothers was often reciting poetry. The poems she spouted weren’t always nuggets of great literature. I remember one about “a bird on a blueberry diet christening a new white chair” that made me laugh. But the poems, profound or not, always evoked a feeling of some sort. Isn't that the point of reading: to learn to feel, to empathize, to look at the world differently than usual?  

April is recognized as National Poetry Month, but it is not necessarily celebrated by the masses. In my high school English classes ,there was a lot of groaning that accompanied the reading, memorizing, and reciting of poetry. Someone was bound to ask, “Why do we need to know this?” As it turns out, there are many benefits to reading poetry, some of them are even health-related. 

Although doctors are not likely to prescribe a steady diet of poetry readings, one study in 2023 found that incorporating poetry into therapy can improve the well-being of patients under palliative care. Another study found that poetry as creative expression helps with the support of immigrants who have suffered trauma. Journaling poetry helps with processing difficult emotions. And reading poetry can have a cathartic effect by giving voice to experiences that have been difficult to explore. 

Poetry is often read at memorial and funeral services, or weddings because the emotions associated with momentous occasions are hard to articulate. Poems can give voice to grief, but also to hope, love, and joy.  With so many benefits, it is a wonder more people don’t admit to reading poetry, let alone writing it. 

Still not a fan of poetry? Challenge yourself to read a poem every day for a month and see if  you feel different! If the research is to be believed, I think you will! ​

Just my two cents, 

​Penny