National Poetry Month is a literary celebration which is celebrated all over the world by millions of people. The purpose of this holiday is to mark the importance of poetry in our lives and to remember the great poets who created this poetry. National Poetry Month was inaugurated by the Academy of American Poets in 1996. Over the years, it has become the largest literary celebration in the world with schools, publishers, libraries, booksellers, and poets celebrating poetry’s vital place in our culture.
One of the oldest written poems (around 4000 years old, originating from Babylon) is the Epic of Gilgamesh, a story told about the king Gilgamesh who was described as half-god, half-man. Throughout history poetry has been a wonderful way to express emotions and evoke feelings, regardless what kind they are. Poems convey the truest and most honest feelings one can have.
On this month, which is near and dear to my heart, I encourage you to write poetry, share poetry and to live a POETIC LIFE.
Forgive the wind for
whispering seductive
things to you.
For stirring up your spirit.
Forgive me for not saying
them to you as I stare
into your eyes.
– Piero Rivolta, Going by Sea
Going By Sea, The Poems of Award-Winning Poet and Novelist Piero Rivolta. Inspired by his love of sailing, the poems and reflections in Going By Sea: Poems and Thoughts of Today’s World arise from various maritime events Piero Rivolta experienced during his voyages in the Atlantic Ocean, the Caribbean, the Gulf of Mexico and the Mediterranean. Whether he is watching an approaching storm, enjoying a colorful coastline or swaying peacefully at anchor, Rivolta’s contemplation of his surroundings gives rise to musings and questions about life, existence and mortality. Heartfelt and romantic, they touch our deepest longings and hopes in times of uncertainty and change. With the original Italian poems alongside the English translations, readers have the opportunity to experience the lyrics in both languages.