National Poetry Month ~ April, 2011

National Poetry Month ~ April 2011

"Words are things, and a small drop of ink
falling like dew upon a thought
produces that which makes
thousands, perhaps millions, think."

Lord Byron, 1788-1824

Words, those markers of thought, sounding within us, hanker for expression. Words, those marks upon paper, our own or that of another find their meaning within us. A poem, its meter, its rhythm, its rhyme, its structure, its pulse, calls for our attentive consideration. Within the words, the line, the totality of a poem, we to find meaning, inspiration, an accord, a resolve and yes, another question.

WORDS words

words for prayer words for play
for the faith and frolic of our day
for the politician's power quest
words chosen thought to be best
words that conjure thoughts of freedom, the held ideal
words to affirm a continued and favored appeal
words of the lovers passionate and sweet
to assure affectionate embraces when they do meet
words to praise and hold gratitude true
gems and jewels when bestowed upon you
words of inspiration holding to nature's grace
to bring us to another time another place
words of faith, vision and quest
within each held life's behest
the poet's game to choose words well
to touch those chambers where heart and soul dwell.

Rose Marie Raccioppi
Poet Laureate
Orangetown, New York

Inaugurated by the Academy of American Poets in 1996,
National Poetry Month
is now held every April to celebrate poetry
and its place in American culture.

Celebrate National Poem In Your Pocket Day on Thursday, April 14, 2011!
The idea is simple: select a poem you love during National Poetry Month
then carry it with you to share with co-workers, family, and friends.

Peruse http://www.apogeepoet.blogspot.com,
select a favored poem, copy/print, pocket and share!

Still life with books and a globe, Jan Davidsz de Heem, (Utrecht 1606 - 1683/84 Antwerp),
Signed and dated on the book at the centre:
Johannes / de Heem / Fecit Anno / 1628

This signed Still life with books and a globe of 1628 dates from the Leiden period of Jan Davidsz de Heem, generally regarded as one of the most important and multifaceted still-life painters of the Golden Age. De Heem painted six further still lifes with books while in Leiden, where he had settled in or before 1625.

image: thekremercollection.com/art/artists/Jan-Davidsz-de-Heem/