Poetry for Life

On the second Monday of October, we observe Indigenous Peoples' Day , a time to honor the histories, cultures, and enduring contributions of Indigenous communities across Turtle Island and beyond. For me, poetry is ceremony. It is a way of listening to land, lineage, and spirit. It holds story, sovereignty, and survival in every breath. Today, I invite you to read, write, and reflect with reverence for the voices that have always been here. ✍🏾 Poetry as Ancestral Witness Indigenous poetry is rooted in place. It speaks with wind and water. It remembers names erased and songs reclaimed. It is resistance, resurgence, and radiant truth. As poet Joy Harjo once said, “Remember the earth whose skin you are.” That’s the power of Indigenous poetry: it reminds us that we belong to something older, deeper, and still unfolding. 📚 Poets to Read & Remember Here are just a few Indigenous poets whose work carries wisdom and fire: Joy Harjo – Muscogee (Creek) Nation; first Native U....

🌺  Honoring Voice and Root: A Poetry Celebration for Hispanic Heritage Month From September 15 to October 15, we  observe  Hispanic Heritage Month,  a time to honor the histories, cultures, and contributions of Latinx and Hispanic communities worldwide . For me, poetry is one of the most powerful ways to explore identity, heritage, resistance, and joy. It holds memory, language, and story in every line. This month, I invite you to join me in reading, writing, and celebrating the vibrant voices that shape our world. ✍🏾 Poetry as Cultural Celebration Poetry carries the rhythm of ancestry. It speaks in two languages, sometimes three. It holds laughter, resistance, and home in one stanza. As poet Ada Limón once said, “Poetry can hold grief, rage, joy, and celebration all at once.” That’s the power of Latinx and Hispanic poetry—it lives between worlds and speaks of both. 📚 Poets to Read & Celebrate Here are just a few Latinx poets whose words have left lasting impr...

🌿 A Poetic Pause: Honoring National Wellness Month August is National Wellness Month,  a time to slow down, breathe deeply, and care for ourselves with greater intention. Wellness isn’t just green smoothies and yoga mats. It’s boundaries. It’s breath. It’s healing. It’s poetry. ✍🏾 Why Poetry Is a Wellness Practice Poetry gives us space to reflect, release, and reconnect. When life feels noisy or overwhelming, writing a poem can help us listen inward. In the words of Audre Lorde, “Poetry is not a luxury. It is a vital necessity.” This August, I invite you to incorporate poetry into your wellness practice. Whether you're journaling your feelings, describing a sunrise, or writing your own affirmations, each line can be a form of self-care. Wellness-related poetry "Love After Love" by Derek Walcott "A Blessing for One Who is Exhausted" by John O'Donohue "Heavy" by Mary Oliver 🌱 Try This: A Wellness Writing Prompt Use this prompt to start...

🌲  July Joy: Celebrating National Parks Through Poetry July isn’t just about fireworks and summer sun; it’s also National Park and Recreation Month , a time to pause, step outside, and experience nature in all its glory. Whether you’re hiking through a state forest, pausing by a still lake, or simply sitting under the shade of a tree in your neighborhood park, nature offers endless inspiration, and poetry helps us capture that wonder. 🍃 Why Nature and Poetry Go Hand in Hand Nature is a poem already in motion. It speaks in the language of birdcalls, rustling leaves, wildflowers, and sunsets. Writing poetry about nature allows us to reflect, connect, and find peace in the world around us. This month, I invite you to let the outdoors awaken your creative spirit. ✍🏾 Tips for Writing Nature Poetry: Inspired by Writer's Relief's guide , here are a few ways to get started: Observe closely : What do you hear, smell, and feel? Go beyond just “trees” or “sky”, what textures,...

Happy Pride Month! It's a time to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community, their achievements, and their contributions to various fields, including the world of poetry. If you're looking for a unique way to honor Pride Month while indulging in the beauty of words, we've got you covered. In this blog post, we'll explore the works of renowned LGBT poets and provide you with resources to dive deeper into their poetry. Discover the Voices: To embark on this poetic journey, let's start by delving into the works of some famous LGBT poets. These individuals have not only crafted incredible poetry but have also contributed to shaping and expressing the LGBTQ+ experience through their art. Here are a few notable names to explore: Walt Whitman James Baldwin Alice Walker Georgia Douglas Johnson Oscar Wilde Their works carry profound emotions, captivating narratives, and powerful expressions of identity, love, and acceptance. Take the time to immerse yourself in their poetry and appreci...

"There's a reason poets often say, 'Poetry saved my life,' for often the blank page is the only one listening to the soul's suffering, the only one registering the story completely, the only one receiving all softly and without condemnation." —Clarissa Pinkola Estes May is not only the month of blooming flowers and warmer weather but also a time to shed light on an equally important topic: mental health. As we embrace Mental Health Awareness Month, it is essential to explore various avenues that promote healing and self-expression. One such avenue that holds tremendous power is poetry.  The Art of Catharsis: Poetry is a form of catharsis (purifying and purging of emotion) for individuals navigating the complexities of mental health. It provides an outlet for emotions that may be difficult to articulate in ordinary conversation. Through the rhythmic flow of words, poets can express their deepest fears, sorrows, and hopes. The act of writing poetry becomes a hea...