Ways to Celebrate American National Poetry Month this April

It is a month long literary event held every April to showcase and celebrate the achievements of American poetry. The initiative was established by the Academy of American Poets in 1996 and was made immediately clear that it was to highlight and widen the appeal of the art of poetry, the work of living poets, America's complex poetic heritage, and to poetry books and journals of wide aesthetic range and concern.

Since it's conception, the effect has snowballed with publishers, teaching leaders, arts organisations, major sponsors, well known poets and even governmental organisations getting involved.

American National Poetry month was actually inspired by two other month long celebrations. These were Black History Month, a remembrance of important people and events in the history of the African diaspora, marked in February and Women's History Month which highlights contributions of women to events in history and contemporary society.

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Read poetry - This is probably the most obvious thing to do but it is the whole point of why the National Poetry Month was set up. If you're not used to reading poetry or have in the past found it dull, tedious and incomprehensible, then start off with works from the likes of Shel Silverstein or Ogden Nash. Their works will make you laugh out loud and beg for more. If you don't have any poetry books, go to the library and borrow one, or buy one online or from a book store.

Listen to poetry - One of my favourite places to listen to poetry is actually on the internet. YouTube has a wonderfully rich array of poets, big and small, reciting their verse for all and sundry to hear. Take time to visit the recordings presented by 'Poetry Animations' who has incredibly digitally incorporated moving photographs of old poets with past recorded poetry recitals. It's both uncanny and transfixing.

If you like cats then I definitely recommend reading some of T.S. Eliot's work.

Write poetry - After reading some poems, then try your hand at writing a poem yourself. Remember at first to keep it simple and progress to higher levels of difficulty at your own pace. There are many tips and instructions on the various structures and styles of poetry you can attempt to write. It's fun and becomes addictive to write your own poetry. I should know, I am a professional poet!

Visit a poetry festival or recital - Look up in your local newspaper or information point about poetry events in your area. If possible, attend one or two f them during the month of April and soak up the atmosphere. They are great places to meet like minded people.

Poetry at home - Poetry is a perfect medium for children in which to express their emotions and dreams. If you have children, then April is a wonderful chance to instil the love of verse into young minds. Recite some poetry together around the dinner table or dance whilst singing aloud some funny or childishly naughty poems. Build laughter into the occasion, for then you will have a child that will forever associate poetry with happy moments.

Host a poetry party - Invite your neighbours, friends and relatives to a poetry party. It can be based on a theme such as Spring, a certain movie, a celebration of a new baby or whatever takes your fancy. Enjoy food and drinks whilst reciting both famous poet's work and those of the people present. Make it a regular annual event too!

Leave a few lines of poetry somewhere - Write some verse to do with happiness, motivation or humor and place them somewhere for complete strangers to find. Such places could include: the pages of a library book, a car's windscreen wipers, under a pebble on a path, in a phone booth, dropped in a handbag or neatly pinned to a tree. The possibilities are endless and whilst most of the time you'll never see the recipient discover your verse (unless you hide somewhere and watch), the feeling it creates is marvellous, for both you and the reader.