April is the cruellest month, breeding
Lilacs out of the dead land, mixing
Memory and desire, stirring
Dull roots with spring rain.
–T.S. Eliot, The Waste Land

April may be cruel, but it’s also National Poetry Month. Over at the National Children’s Book and Literacy Alliance, they share some suggestions and resources for helping young readers learn about and love poetry. My favorite tip: “Put poetry in an unexpected place…perhaps the bathroom mirror?” I think it’s easy to resist poetry it’s held up as somehow sacred and, as a result, it becomes an “other.” Poetry can be part of our everyday lives, while you brush your teeth or make breakfast.

In the spirit of sharing poetry, here’s one of my favorite poems: Monet Refuses the Operation by Lisel Mueller. The ending gives me chills.

Feel free to share your favorite poems in the comments!

(image: Grolier Poetry Book Shop by afagen)