If you’ve been following along here for a while, you might remember that – usually – I celebrate National Poetry Month throughout April along with a few other poetry-loving bloggers. We usually get together to brainstorm topics and poets we want to highlight during April, and then we . . . share poems with all of you, all month long.
Maybe (or maybe not) . . . you’ve noticed that we didn’t do that this month. And now that it’s the last day of April and the official close of National Poetry Month, I thought I’d give you a down-and-dirty explanation of what happened and why we . . . didn’t.
I blame AI.
Because that’s what actually started the whole thing. Just about the time we (the poetry-loving bloggers) and I were finalizing our plans for our April poetry posts, Tom and I went to dinner with some artsy friends. And the conversation turned to AI . . . and the arts . . . and creative ownership . . . and yada yada yada. And that got me thinking about . . . intellectual property and copyright laws and the public domain and the fair use doctrine. Things I’ve known about for a long time, but tend to push to the back of my mind when sharing poems here on my blog. (After all, I reason to myself, I post complete citations when I post poems — which is more than a lot of people do when they post poetry on the Instagrams or their blogs, etc.)
But I knew in my heart of hearts it wasn’t okay.
So the poetry-loving bloggers and I decided to . . . NOT share poetry on our blogs in April this year. Which made us very sad. But there you go. In a world full of corrupt liars and theives and bottom-feeders (and AI), we decided to do the right thing and take the high road. Sigh.
To round out the month, I decided to put out a little Lightning Round post . . . about poetry. Quick questions (I both ask and answer myself) . . . with quick answers. Just for fun. (I shared these questions with the other poetry-loving bloggers. They might take a stab at a Lightning Round, or they might not.)
So.
On with the Lightning Round: Poetry Edition!
When was the first time you remember being moved by a poem? Bonus points if you remember which poem.
I loved rhyme-y, sing-song-y, nonsense poems as a child, but the first poem I really remember “feeling something” when I read it . . . was probably in 7th grade. Desiderata: Words for Life by Max Ehrmann. I had a poster in my room as a teenager. I still love it . . . “You are a child of the universe.”
Favorite nursery rhyme?
Mary, Mary Quite Contrary
Favorite Mary Oliver poem? (Just one…)
The Fourth Sign of the Zodiac (part 3), which you can find in MO’s collection Blue Horses. (If you follow the link to read the poem, scroll down. There’s also a recording of MO reading the poem, which is a true treat.)
Song lyrics: Poetry? Or something else?
Definitely poetry!
Favorite Dr. Seuss book?
Go Dog, Go! (I love the hats. . . )
A poetry collection you’ve read recently?
This month, I read – and loved – Night Owl: Poems by Aimee Nezhukumatathil. Absolutely gorgeous writing.
When do find yourself reaching for poetry most often?
In the morning. And sometimes later in the day . . . to calm my soul when I get riled and need to just breathe again, y’know?
How do you keep track of poems you especially like?
In my books that I own (I have a poetry “collection” in my personal library), I fold down corners, use post-it-notes to mark pages, or use any type of “bookmark” I can get my hands on in the moment. I also keep digital versions of poems I love (a list that is always growing) in a file on my laptop.
Favorite movie having to do with poetry?
Bright Star (John Keats. Sigh.)
Which poem are you keeping in your pocket today?
Today is Poem-in-Your-Pocket day . . . and I am keeping Mary Oliver’s poem Today in my pocket. (Click the link and you can read it, too.)
“Today I’m flying low and not saying a word . . . “
— Mary Oliver, Today from A Thousand Mornings, Penguin Press, 2012
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How about you? Play the Lightning Round and let me know your favorites in the comments!
When was the first time you remember being moved by a poem? Bonus points if you remember which poem.
I was making the bed (as an adult in my 30s) and listening to NPR. The poem was A Tale Begun. It’s honestly one of my most vivid memories!
Favorite nursery rhyme?
Ring Around the Rosie because me kids loved the “we all fall down part”.
Favorite Mary Oliver poem?
Wild Geese because it’s the only one I can think of right now.
Song lyrics or poetry?
Song lyrics because some of them are poetry!
Favorite Dr. Seuss book?
The Lorax
A poetry collection you’ve read recently?
Map by Wislawa Szymborska
When do you find yourself reaching for poetry?
Any time!
How do you keep track of poems you like?
By dog-earing pages in books I own, and with folders (both paper and digital). Sometimes post-its on the refrigerator.
What poem is in your pocket?
I’m carrying my Poetry Cootie Catcher in my pocket literally and may ambush a few people with it.
I am only just learning g to love poetry the last few years. I blame my English Lit degree for over examination of poems, making poetry reading feel like a chore. These days, I am reaching for poetry more and more. Now I am off to find a poem to keep in my pocket today.
These are so fun, Kym! (and thank you for including the reasons behind our blog-silence… you said it all so perfectly!) Poetry… the stuff of life that is a must have! I even pulled together a post to share today! XO
I have not had a chance to pull together a post today, but will take a stab at the questions!
Not sure I remember the first time I was “moved” by a poem. I grew up in a house where poetry was read and recited ALL the TIME. And I loved it. My parents and grandparents all recited poetry (some of it quite long) (and some of it in other languages than English) quite a bit. I feel lucky to have grown up surrounded by poetry.
Favorite Nursery rhyme? Don’t really have one, though “London Bridges” springs to mind because I sing it to Iris a lot.
Mary Oliver poem? Oh so hard to choose just one. Perhaps “Wild Geese.”
Song lyrics are definitely poetry.
Dr. Seuss? Not a favorite of mine, but perhaps “And to Think That I Saw It on Mulberry Street.”
Recently read “Bright Scythe” – a collection of Tomas Transtromer’s poems translated by Patty Crane. Excellent!!
Most often read poetry early morning or before bed.
How to keep track of poems – book marks in my books or copying poems that move me into a notebook (journal of sorts).
A favorite movie about a poet or poetry: “Reaching for the Moon” about Elizabeth Bishop. (available on Netflix I think)
A poem in my pocket? A simple Haiku I read this morning. Soothing and peaceful.