Did you know that April is National Poetry Month? Don’t feel bad…neither did I until a few days ago. But when I found out, I thought, “How fitting! Spring and poetry go together like peanut butter and jelly”. So I felt obligated to write a post in honor of the occasion.

Poets are the Impressionist painters of the literary world. Instead of oil and acrylic, they use words to conjure images, stir up emotions, comment on society, and elevate the ordinary details of life into the sublime. And like the best of art forms, poetry often requires as much participation from the observer as it does from the artist.

“Painting is poetry that is seen rather than felt, and poetry is painting that is felt rather than seen.”
~ Leonardo da Vinci

I recall a college English class, when we read some of the works of Phillis Wheatley, the first published African American poet. At first glance, her poems were merely examples of classical Victorian verse. But my professor challenged us to look at Phillis’ poetry as a form of ironic protest - the only way that an enslaved woman could mock her oppressors without fearing for her life. Though I wasn’t 100% convinced of my professor’s take on Wheatley’s poetic intent, it was then that I realized that poetry wasn’t all frilly verse and rhyming words. It could be subversive, satirical, and spark dialogue that would challenge conventional modes of thought…since then I’ve been hopelessly hooked.

Poetry is a deal of joy and pain and wonder, with a dash of the dictionary.
~ Kahlil Gibran

So in tribute to National Poetry Month, to Phillis, and to all those that gave birth to poems in my heart and mind, here’s a list of some of my all-time favorite poets, as well as a poem from yours truly, and an invitation for you to share your love of poetry with me.

Who are some of your favorite poets? What are some of your favorite poems?

Ksolo’s all-time favorite poets:

Jalaluddin Rumi

Linton Kwesi Johnson

Edgar Allan Poe

Nikki Giovanni

e.e. cummings

Dorothy Parker

Gwendolyn Brooks

Sekou the Misfit

Ksolo’s favorite Atlanta-based poets:
Kenn Bivins

Ratsack

K1motion

Malik Salaam

Georgia Me (a.k.a. GA ME)

cheers,

k

Click for more poetry events around Atlanta, or visit the following sites:

Atlanta Poetry Calendar

Atlanta Poetry on About.com