Decolonize Your Reading List With These Important Indigenous Poets
Native American stories and culture continue to have a strong impact on today’s poetry scene. In 2019, Joy Harjo, a member of the Creek tribe and the author of 14 poetry collections, became the U.S. Poet Laureate, representing one of
Film Recommendations for Poetry Lovers
Films transport us to exotic places and distant time periods where we can experience life through the eyes of our favorite characters. Watching them can be an escape from our COVID-19 reality and a stress reliever in these challenging times.
4 Fierce Young Poets Defining the Genre’s Future
Recently, both controversy and curiosity swept across social media when four-year-old Nadim Shamma-Sourgen landed a book deal with British children’s book publisher Walter Books. Shamma-Sourgen, who hasn’t yet learned how to physically write, dictates his poems to his mother. With
5 Poetic Plays for Poetry and Theatre Lovers
Poetry and theater have a longstanding love affair, from Shakespeare’s historic work in iambic pentameter to contemporary expressions of verse drama. Making the most of rhythmic speech and playful techniques like rhyme and repetition, poetry is a popular tool among
4 Poetry-Approved Ways to Support Black-Owned Businesses
It’s important to support Black-owned businesses now more than ever. While the effects of coronavirus have touched nearly every business, especially small businesses, shutdowns have impacted Black-owned businesses at disproportionate levels, The Washington Post reported. More than 40 percent of
From Stanzas to Screen: Four Fun TV Recs for Poets
Of course, reading and writing usually stand out as a poet’s most beloved pastimes. However, turning to different modes of entertainment can help fend off burn-out. Sometimes, the urge strikes to curl up with take-out and a favorite show. When
Stanzas for Social Change: 4 Movements Poetry Helped Shape
Poetry has long served as a tool for social justice. At Read Poetry, we’ve celebrated poetry’s powerful impact on Black Lives Matter, reproductive rights, and queer rights. Today’s poets regularly take inspiration from modern headlines—from the #MeToo movement to the
3 Poems About Health Care Workers in the Time of Coronavirus
In 2020, we’ve seen how the coronavirus pandemic has become a health crisis throughout the world. Nearly every country has dealt with this crisis, and right now, the United States is the global leader in cases, according to CNN. States
Sidewalk Poetry: What it is and how to do it
Literature and public art come together to beautify the outdoors in the form of sidewalk poetry. What is it, exactly? Well, it’s pretty simple. Sidewalk poetry is poetry found along sidewalks, driveways, parking lots, or other outdoor and public or
Poetry Pairings: Art Edition
Whether holding a brush or a pen, both painters and poets have a special knack for capturing a moment and turning it into something much greater—be it a story, a memory, or mythology. Visual art and poetry have a long
Poetic Pandemic: How Coronavirus Has Already Impacted Poetry
Coronavirus has changed nearly every aspect of our lives within months. We celebrated Pride Month and National Poetry Month from home, struggled with mental health, and found new, imaginative ways to share support. But as much as the pandemic challenges
Anti-Racist Poetry
The Black Lives Matter movement has increased social awareness about police brutality, systemic racism, and white privilege in the United States. The homicide of George Floyd ignited worldwide protests to mourn his death and to create change in our justice