NaPoWriMo - April is National Poetry Month!

since my return from a writing workshop with scott cairns in santa fe last fall, i have found myself newly invigorated with pursuing poetry. i recognize the importance of consistent work, of engaging regularly - perhaps even daily - with language. i need a literary community. i need more discipline.

which got me thinkin'.

i'm sure many of you have heard of NaNoWriMo (if you haven't, learn more about it here), and i wondered if there was anything similar for poetry. it turns out there is.

i would like to invite you to join me in an experiment - an informal National Poetry Writing Month - during the month of april. 

after all, it is national poetry month in both canada and the united states.

i am going to attempt to write a poem a day for the entire month, and would like to invite you to do the same. you can add your poems in the comment section -- perhaps even write them as responses to what i post.

i make no guarantees about the quality, nor will i commit to a specific type or length of poem. i simply commit to posting something every day before midnight.

will you join me?

please say yes.

a poem for my wife

laugh! you're only forty now. still young.
it's time to get dressed up &
shimmy your fine self to the front
& let your presence be known.

measure yourself by your divine calling
& not by the frailty of others.
rail against those who would press
in on your joy, your creativity.
engage that enemy with passion.

vie for your freedom - relentlessly -
& for the freedom of others.
never stop moving your feet.

venture deeper into the great dance.
leap into my arms; let me embrace you
in every moment's movement, let me
embrace you in wonder & thankful yes for
this is you: my bright & beautiful star.