Celebrating World Poetry Day on March 21st!
- CoraLynn
- Mar 21
- 4 min read
Every year on March 21, poets and poetry lovers from around the world will come together and celebrate World Poetry Day. This day is dedicated to celebrating and reflecting on the beauty, power, and impact of poetry. It does not matter what form of poetry you prefer because the art of poetic expression moves all our hearts and souls.
The power of poetry comes from the unseen connections it offers us through the written word. Sharing the beautiful essence of the human experience and so inspiring change and hope into the world.
What is World Poetry Day?
World Poetry Day was established by UNESCO in 1999 to promote and recognize the importance of poetry in linguistic diversity, encourage poetry as a form of artistic expression, and honor poets across different cultures. It is a day to recognize poetry's role in shaping societies, preserving traditions, and starting important conversations.
On World Poetry Day, events such as poetry readings, writing workshops, and performances are hosted worldwide. Schools, libraries, and cultural organizations host activities encouraging people of all ages to engage with poetry. So, check what activities might be hosted near you and let your curiosity and passion for poetry lead you into new poetic adventures.
Poetry on a global scale
In an age of rapid digital communication, poetry remains an important form of creative expression. Whether spoken-word performances, traditional verses, classical sonnets, or Instagram poetry, Poetry continues to evolve. It helps us reflect through the voices of different generations of poets.
World Poetry Day also reminds us that poetry is not only for writers. It is a beautiful form of creative expression that exists for everyone. Even you!
So, I hope you will take a small moment today and celebrate the power and beauty of poetry in your own favorite way. Be it by writing or reading a poem, treating yourself to a new poetry book, or listening to a poet sharing their words. Let today be an enriching memory for your passion for poetry.
How can you celebrate World Poetry Day?
1. By reading poetry
The most accessible way to celebrate World Poetry Day is by reading a poem. Revisit your favorite poet or maybe even discover a new one.
You can find poetry to read in your nearby bookshops, local libraries, social media platforms, cultural centers, Pinterest, and online poetry archives (like The Poetry Foundation or Poets.org)
2. Write your own poem
As I mentioned before, poetry is for everyone. You do not have to be a poet to express yourself! Try writing a haiku, a love poem, or even a few lines while reflecting on your day. What comes to mind after reading your favorite poem? Maybe you can write something about how the poem made you feel.
If you need some writing tips on how to write a haiku or a love poem, then check out my beginner guides here on the blog!
3. Attend a poetry reading
Many local libraries, nearby bookshops, and cultural centers are hosting poetry readings on March 21. There might even be an open mic night nearby where you can share your own poem?
4. Share on social media
You can post one of your poems on social media if you feel comfortable sharing your work. It is a big step for any poet to share your words with the world. When you post on social media, you can use #WorldPoetryDay to join the global conversation.
If you rather not share your own words, maybe post one of your favorite poems and share why this is your favorite or how it makes you feel. When sharing the creative works of other poets, be sure to mention and credit the poet's name in the post and caption.
5. Explore spoken-word poetry
Watch a performance from spoken-word poets like Rudy Francisco or Andrea Gibson to experience and explore the emotional depth of spoken-word poetry. Button Poetry offers videos of their spoken-word poets on their site. You can easily find videos of many more spoken-word poets on social media sites and YouTube.
6. Support a Poet
Why not treat yourself to a new poetry book to support a poet. Maybe follow a contemporary poet on their socials or support independent poetry projects to keep the art alive.
How will I be celebrating World Poetry Day?
I will be celebrating World Poetry Day with the communities on my socials. On Instagram, Threads, and Substack, I am hosting a poetry lift. On this lift, you can share one of your poems for others to read. These events are a wonderful way to connect with the poets in the community and discover different poetry forms. There will be a poetry-themed prompt to write for if you are still looking for some inspiration.
You can find my socials on the top of the blog and my Substack page here.
Today is a beautiful, warm spring day, so I might take a collection of one of my favorite poets (Emily Dickinson) with me to the park and do some reading.
And, of course, being inspired by so many poets and poetry, I am setting aside some time to write and work on my upcoming poetry collection.
A busy but perfect day!
I hope you, too, will take a moment today to enjoy your passion for poetry and celebrate the magic of words that connect us all.
Let me know your favorite poem or who your favorite poet is? Let us celebrate together in the comments!
Stay Connected
If you enjoyed reading this post and would like to receive more reflections, poetry, and writing prompts, consider subscribing to my newsletter. I would love to have you along for the journey.
Thank you for being a part of this creative community. Your kindness and encouragement mean the world to me.
All my love,
CoraLynn
A Gentle Quill
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