Poem in Your Pocket Day

Posted by Linda Sue Grimes Apr 4, 2008

The Academy of American Poets is offering a simple way to celebrate April—National Poetry Month. The group’s Web site encourages you to select your favorite poem, make a copy of it, and carry it in your pocket.

On April 17, at appropriate times, they suggest you take out the poem and read it to family, friends, or co-workers.

The organization also encourages poetry lovers to start your projects. On their Web site, they explain: “In this age of mechanical and digital reproduction, it's easy to carry a poem, share a poem, or start your own PIYP day event.” They list ideas to help get you started:

• Start a "poems for pockets" give-a-way in your school or workplace
• Urge local businesses to offer discounts for those carrying poems
• Post pocket-sized verses in public places
• Handwrite some lines on the back of your business cards
• Start a street team to pass out poems in your community

For more innovative strategies, see Academy of American Poets.

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