Whether you see yourself as a reader of poetry or not, in honor of National Poetry Month in April, I’d like to challenge you to lean into poetry. As a friend of mine described them, poems are “powerful, silly, introspective, invasive, descriptive, short, long, weird, punctuationally diverse” and so much more. You may discover something new about the world or about yourself. Consider these five strategies for enjoying and appreciating poetry that will work for anyone.
Start with Anthologies: These are an excellent kickoff point because they offer a range of voices within the frames of time periods, places or topics. If you don’t like one poem, skip it and move to the next.
“Poetry Unbound: 50 Poems to Open Your World,” edited by Pádraig Ó Tuama, pairs 50 illuminating poems with Ó Tuama’s reflections. What a big help it was for me to explore my own thoughts about each poem through his insights.
I couldn’t put down “This is the Honey: An Anthology of Contemporary Black Poets,” edited by Kwame Alexander. “How We Made You,” one of his poems in the collection, is a love story that I reread time and again, reminding me of the early days of my own love story and how we communicate with our children about their beginnings.
For dog lovers, you will fall into “Dog Show: Poems” by former U.S. Poet Laureate Billy Collins. This short collection captures the essence and mystery of our favorite companions and also features canine portraits in watercolor.
Mothers will enjoy “They Bloom Because of You” by Jessica Urlichs. This collection of poems focuses on the joys and challenges of motherhood. The scene she enacts in her poem, “Coffee Is Not Enough,” reminds moms to eat but also gives them a chuckle along the way. “Here’s to the mums who feed to sleep / Have forgotten to eat / Pick things up with their feet.”
For nature lovers, try “You Are Here: Poetry in the Natural World,” edited and introduced by Ada Limón, a recent U.S. Poet Laureate. This collection of 50 poems reflects on our relationship to the natural world. OR any book of poems by Mary Oliver who focused on nature in her poems.
Dig into classics by Phyllis Wheatly, considered to be the first African-American author of a published book of poetry, or Dorothy Parker, whose poetry can be characterized by its conversational tone, accessible language, and ironic humor, or Robert Frost, known for his depictions of rural American life.
Explore Different Forms: Familiarize yourself with different poetic forms and discover what resonates with you. Maybe you love haiku, short and sweet but packing a punch in every word. Or try sonnets. “Poems for Every Season: A Year of Haiku, Sonnets and More” by Bette Westera is a great way to explore different forms of poetry.
I also highly recommend reading a book in verse. What a wonderful way to get into poetry while also enjoying a great story. “Here is the Beehive” by Sarah Crossan is about a love affair cut short and how the woman finds she can best relieve her grief by befriending her lover’s widow.
Involve the Kids: National Poetry Month is for everyone, so bring your kids along on the journey. One way to delve into poetry is to start with children’s classics. Shel Silverstein’s books appeal to adults as well as kids because they are whimsical and insightful, full of imagination and humor with a touch of life lessons. There’s no age limit for picking up a copy of Silverstein’s “Falling Up” or “A Light in the Attic.” Try Ogden Nash – so silly. Read a nursery rhyme or sing a lullaby.
For middle schoolers who are intimidated by reading, a book in verse is ideal. I adored “Starfish” by Lisa Fipps about a girl who is tired of being fat-shamed and does something about it. I flew through this book without realizing it was in verse.
A new middle grade book called “The Trouble with Heroes” by Kate Messner has been called one of the best middle grade books of 2025 for its engaging storyline about a boy who must climb the 47 Adirondack high peaks during the summer to pay for knocking over a tombstone in a fit of rage.
Listen to Poetry: Tune into a poetry podcast, where you can hear the work read out loud. “Poetry Unbound,” hosted by Pádraig Ó Tuama, explores a single poem every week. The Poetry Foundation offers an Audio Poem Of the Day. Another option is Poetryoutloud.com.
Song lyrics are also poetry. Remember when Bob Dylan was awarded the 2016 Nobel Prize in Literature “for having created new poetic expressions within the great American song tradition”? Listen with a new ear, or read/sing them out loud to yourself. Hearing the rhythms of the language may bring your own emotions to the surface.
I hope you’ll take the Read Poetry challenge in April. You will discover that poetry evolves from an intimate place, be it feelings, experiences, history or hopes. I can’t say it better than Shel Silverstein as I invite you to pick up a book of poetry in April.
“Invitation” by Shel Silverstein
If you are a dreamer, come in,
If you are a dreamer, a wisher, a liar,
A hope-er, a pray-er, a magic bean buyer…
If you’re a pretender, come sit by my fire
For we have some flax-golden takes to spin.
Come in!
What Cassie’s Reading:
The Wild Beneath by Kelly Anderson – Release date Aug 4, 2026
For readers of “Wild Dark Shore” and “The Time Traveler’s Wife,” a fierce, haunting story of one woman caught between her first love and a mysterious stranger who upends everything -- and the two worlds that won't let her go.
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