Poems are usually short and can say much with just a few words.
Poems do not have to follow the rules of writing or spelling.
Poems may rhyme or not.
Poems can have a rhythm like music or can be free form.
Poems can set a mood... happy or sad, funny or serious, calm or exciting.
Poetry can give you food for thought, make you curious, inspire action, make you laugh, bring you calm or just make you smile.
Enjoy a Poem today!
What is Poetry?
If you look and listen, it is all around you!
by Micha Archer
by Laura Purdie Salas
by Langston Hughes, Maya Angelou, Carl Sandburg, Emily Dickinson and Joyce Sidman
Listen to this 6-minute podcast about the power of poetry!
"Some people might find it naïve to talk about poetry as a climate solution, but the arts represent one of the more powerful ways that people transform deeply held worldviews and beliefs about the natural world." - Julia Bentz
"Pick a common object. Brainstorm how it sounds, tastes, feels, looks and smells. What does it do? When and where do you find it? Now, write your riddle -ku as if you are the object. Stick to the 5-7-5 syllable count and include several clues. Be sure to use "I" or "my" or "me" in your poem. Next, share your riddle-ku."
(taken from Lion of the Sky by Laurie Purdie Sala)
Ms. Tamra's favorite poet is Joyce Sidman because she combines her love of nature, science & facts to create beautiful poetry books.
Listen to Joyce Sidman read a few of her poems and then watch a PBS Special about the making of Winter Bees: Beyond the Book.
You can borrow this book at our eBook collection through SFPL Hoopla or Overdrive.
Join Tracy Heffernan (former Rooftop Librarian) to create simple paper pockets and poetry for Poem in Your Pocket Day on April 30th.
Don't recycle that junk mail ad! Make found poetry with Ms. Heather (Hoover). If you'd like to share your creation, email a photo to libraries@sfusd.edu