POM PROMPT
POMprompt #25: Why Should You Read Poetry?
Let’s get to the heart of the matter
Poets are deep into National Poetry Month, dipping their pens in a wide variety of prompts, styles, and forms. Teachers are inspiring their students to write, read, appreciate, analyze, and recite poems from the familiar rhyme schemes to the lesser known experimental forms.
As writers, we expect to study the art form — to learn, practice, and grow by reading other writers’ work. Poets are an inspired and inspiring species to say the least. Some of us claim to eat words for breakfast and see and hear poems everywhere in our daily lives.
But what about readers who love poetry? Who are the lovers of the written word? Who collects and curates the art? Who are the poets’ patrons?
And what about the people who say they don’t read or understand poetry? GASP! What of the students (I’m thinking of many of my own kids in my classrooms over the years) who groan or roll their eyes with the mere mention of National Poetry Month?
Specifically, why should readers on this platform seek out poems? What is in it for them?
This is our newest POM Prompt! We are at a little past the half-way point in National Poetry Month, and while we are so thrilled with everyone participating in the #NatPoWriMo (DON’T STOP!), let’s try writing an essay about poetry: its value, its merit, its importance, and WHY Medium should be promoting the poets’ work beyond National Poetry Month.
Here are some questions to consider as you are planning your poetry article:
- What drew you into becoming a poet?
- Are you a fabulous reader of poetry and want to share why you believe poetry enriches your life?
- What can we gain from reading poetry beyond the aesthetics of the art form?
- Why should Medium (and Medium readers) pay more attention to poetry? (and shall I say, pay more?)
Let’s celebrate POETRY! Let’s raise awareness about the poets working hard. We cannot wait to read your essays!
How do I participate? What are the rules?
It’s simple and yes there are TWO rules:
Read the prompt. Write your poem or piece. Submit your work, adhering to the following two rules:
RULES
Use the tag POMprompt as one of your 5 available tags on your submission
Put a link to the prompt at the bottom of your post to give credit.
Here is a link to ◦•●Christina M. Ward ●•◦’s POMprompt submission guidelines and a list of all the previous prompts.
In case you need to reference our #NatPoWriMo April poetry challenge:
Thank you ◦•●Christina M. Ward ●•◦ for the opportunity to host this POMprompt!
-Samantha Lazar, Associate Editor