po·et·ry
/ˈpōətrē/
noun
Literary work in which special intensity is given to the expression of feelings and ideas by the use of distinctive style and rhythm; poems collectively or as a genre of literature.

Celebrated in April, National Poetry Month is an annual event that honors the power of poetry to inspire and connect people across cultures and generations. Poetry is a timeless art form that captures human emotions, experiences, and imagination and produces rhythm, sound, and meaning. Whether through classic verses of Shakespeare, the bold expressions of Maya Angelou, or the modern voices of contemporary poets, poetry provides a unique lens to explore themes of love, identity, nature, and social justice. It encourages both personal reflection and collective dialogue, making it a vital part of literature and creative expression.

During National Poetry Month, poets, educators, and enthusiasts come together to celebrate the craft through readings, workshops, and community events. Libraries often host activities that encourage readers to engage with poetry, from writing verses to participating in spoken word performances. 

As part of the 2025 Salina Reads events, the Salina Public Library is offering opportunities to share your story, learn from other poets, and participate in writing workshops to hone your craft.  

Salina Reads Finale: Songs, Stories, and Spirit of Saline County – Help us wrap up our Salina Reads month with a fun evening of song, poetry and storytelling on the theme of “Where We Live.” We will be joined by cowboy musician Don Wagner, cowboy poet Jerry Jones, and local community members with a story to tell.  Saturday, April 26 from 7-8:30 p.m. For more information, click here. No registration is required.

Whether shared on a stage, on social media, or in a book, poetry remains a powerful force for artistic expression and cultural enrichment.

Modern Poetry:

Violet Bent Backwards Over the Grass – Lana Del Ray

Love, loss, longing, and self-reflection set against the backdrop of Americana and cinematic imagery. Through a blend of nostalgia and melancholy, Del Rey offers a raw, intimate glimpse into her emotions, identity, and experiences.

You Are Here: Poetry in the Natural World – Ada Limón

A collection that celebrates the profound connection between humans and the natural environment. Through vivid, sensory-rich poetry, Limón captures the beauty, resilience, and complexity of nature while exploring themes of presence, healing, and the passage of time.

Brown: Poems – Kevin Young

Kansas poet Kevin Young delves into the themes of identity, race, and memory while exploring the complexities of being Black in America. Through powerful and evocative language, Young reflects on personal and collective histories, examining the intersection of culture, family, and societal forces that shape the experience of Blackness.

Time is a Mother – Ocean Vuong

A poignant collection of poems that explores themes of grief, love, and the passage of time, often through the lens of personal loss and family. With lyrical and intimate language, Vuong reflects on the complexities of identity, memory, and healing, offering a raw meditation on the human experience.

I Would Leave Me if I Could – Halsey

A raw and vulnerable poetry collection exploring themes of self-doubt, heartbreak, and personal struggle. Through a series of emotionally charged poems, Halsey explores the complexities of identity, relationships, and the longing for self-acceptance.

You Better Be Lightning – Amanda Gibson

Explore the intensity of longing, self-discovery, and the complexities of desire in this collection of poems from Amanda Gibson. Through vivid imagery and emotional depth, Gibson examines the tension between vulnerability and strength, navigating personal transformation and the search for meaning.

The Language of Trees: The Rewilding of Language and Literature – Katie Holten

A thought-provoking exploration of how trees, nature, and language are interconnected. Holten invites readers to reconsider the power of language in environmental discourse, offering a unique blend of art, ecology, and literature that seeks to rewild the way we communicate with the natural world.

 

Classic Poetry:

Leaves of Grass – Walt Whitman

The classic groundbreaking collection of poetry that celebrates individuality, nature, and the human experience. Through a vibrant and expansive style, Whitman explores themes of democracy, sensuality, spirituality, and the interconnectedness of all life, forging a new path in American literature.

The Complete Poems and Plays, 1909-1950 – T.S. Eliot

A comprehensive collection that encompasses the breadth of his poetic and dramatic work, including iconic pieces like The Waste Land and The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock. Through these poems and plays, Eliot addresses themes of modernity, fragmentation, spiritual desolation, and the search for meaning in a rapidly changing world.

The Complete Poems of Emily Dickinson – Emily Dickinson

Infamous for her novels, Emily Dickinson was also an accomplished poetess. This definitive collection, with her unconventional punctuation and innovative use of language, continues to resonate for its exploration of life’s complexities.

Shakespeare’s Sonnets – William Shakespeare

Poetry is an ideal medium for expressing the struggles of love and truth, and few did it better than Shakespeare. Join the Bard of Avalon in this collection of 154 of his poems that also explore beauty, time, and mortality while addressing the complexities of human relationships and emotions.

The Collected Poems – Sylvia Plath

With vivid, emotionally intense language, Plath explores identity, mental illness, love, and death, offering an unflinching examination of the complexities of the human psyche. This anthology captures the full range of her poetic work, from her early verse to her haunting later poems.

Complete Stories and Poems of Edgar Allan Poe – Edgar Allan Poe

You cannot speak of haunting without mention of the works of Edgar Allan Poe. Relish the masterful storytelling and vivid imagery as you dive into Poe’s iconic tales of mystery, horror, and the macabre.

The Poetry of Robert Frost – Robert Frost

This collection brings together the best of Frost’s celebrated verse, capturing his exploration of nature, rural life, and the human condition. Savor Frost’s distinctive use of language and accessible style, as his works address isolation, choice, and the complexity of life’s simplest moments.