National Poetry Month is an annual celebration of poets and their extraordinary pieces of literature. In April, millions of readers, educators, and artists across the United States are celebrated the 30th anniversary. However, to the newer generation, not much is known about poetry. 

This celebration was founded in 1996 by the Academy of American Poets. National Poetry serves as a time to honor the forms of art that come from life, experience, and culture. Today, many schools, libraries, and bookstores across the nation participate through readings, workshops, and classroom activities designed to bring poetry off the page and into everyday conversation. Some of these activities include Poem in Your Pocket Day, where people carry their favorite poem with them to share throughout the day, allowing poetry to feel more personal, accessible, and alive in daily life.

What makes poetry unique is the use of language, which is carefully chosen, yet open to different meanings depending on the reader. From classic sonnets, like Shakespeare’s, to deeply personal confessional pieces to the powerful spoken-word performances we see today, poetry has always been shaped by the connection between the writer and the reader.

Many students might find poetry to be difficult to connect with, like some abstract piece that they are unfamiliar with. Poetry may feel unfamiliar compared to other types of reading; they may overanalyze it, trying to find a “correct” meaning in every line. In reality, poetry asks readers to slow down, pay close attention to language, and sit with the meaning as it unveils. Instead of rushing to understand everything at once, it encourages readers to focus on each line and develop a deeper comprehension of the text.

Ultimately, National Poetry Month is not only about recognizing poetry; it is also about seeing what it can really do. Poetry pushes us to slow down, think deeper, and notice meaning in small details. It helps us understand complex ideas and emotions in ways regular language can’t, reminding us that not everything important is simple or easy to explain.

To celebrate this past month, Madison students submitted their poetry to The Highway to be showcased. Click here if you are using an NYC DOE account tied to James Madison High School or click here if you are using a personal account to read.