Poetry Night

Last night, my friend and I went to the library's poetry awards ceremony for teens. I had suggested to our pastor's daughter that she should enter and she did. The judge was Claudia Emerson, who is the Poet Laureate of Virginia. She judged the poems not knowing who the authors were. I had no idea how many ways there are to judge poetry. Glad I wasn't the judge! Did you know that poems don't have to rhyme? Well, I did know that, but something in me wants to turn into rhymin' Simon. All of the poems were amazing. "Our" contestant took second place!!! We were awestruck as she recited (not read) her poem with poise and goosebump feeling. Are these teens really that mature? If you had been there and heard what we heard, you would know these young people are gifted poets as well as deep thinkers. We were blessed also as Claudia Emerson read a couple of her newest poems.
I must admit, I am not a poet and do know it to change the familiar "you're a poet and don't know it". However, one doesn't need to be a poet to appreciate the God-given talent of one who is. April is National Poetry Month, so you have 2 days left. Two thoughts come to mind. You can read some awesome poems by Burns, Keats, or a local teen. Secondly, you can seize the moment and write one yourself. Either way, enjoy this creative adventure!