MotherReader

I wanted to post this poem yesterday as part of Poem in My Pocket Day, but I made the mistake of asking for permission one hour before I wanted to post it. I know, not cool. Since April responded to my email so pleasantly, and didn't scold me for my bad behavior, I'll share the whole poem today. Originally part of GottaBook's 30 Poets/30 Days, here's a poem about poetry.

HOW TO READ A POEM ALOUD
by April Halprin Wayland

First, read the title of the poem

and the poet’s name.


Be clear.


Now completely

disappear.


Let each line

shine.


Then read it

one more time.

When the poem

ends, sigh.


Think about the poet at her desk,
late at night, picking up her pen to write…

and why.

© 2009 April Halprin Wayland. All rights reserved.

Simple, yet elegant and informative. You can hear more from April over at the new blog TeachingAuthors. More poetry is hosted today at Allegro for Poetry Friday.

This has been some month of Poetry. Unfortunately, I don't have time this moment to list the many bloggers who put poetry front and center this month, but it was wonderful to see so many poems, interviews, and reviews. I can only express my awe and amazement for Gotta Book and Miss Rumphius for their Poems and Interviews of the Stars of Children's Poetry. And actually my appreciation too, because you let me slack off a bit this month.

But next week, I'm making May the month of Us. We'll have the official sign-ups for the 48 Hour Book Challenge (June 5-7th ), the Summer Blog Blast Tour organized by Chasing Ray, the online auction for Bridget Zinn, the Top Ten Picture Books from Fuse#8, some meet-up plans for Book Expo America, and registration for the KidLitosphere Conference. Oh, and more. Always more. So stay tuned.

For me, I've got to get offline and get to work. Then it's a crazy weekend of writing, filming, editing, and scoring a short film. Yes, Tohubohu Productions is back in the 48 Hour Film Project, this year with Young Adult writer Robin Brande. Can't wait!