Today in recognition of National Poetry Month, I’m sharing a few favorite poems and novels in verse. Do you have a favorite poem?

National Poetry Mont

Welcome to #ThrowBackThursday where I highlight an older review or post a current review of a backlist title. Today, I’m sharing a small selection of favorite poems. You will need to click links to read/hear the poems because I don’t want to break copyright laws.

I’m linking up with Davida (a poet herself) @ The Lady’s Book Review Blog for #ThrowbackThursday. Check out this link to Davida’s published poetry.

Check Out the Following Poem Posts:

“Refugee Blues” by W.H. Auden (1939)

image of a refugee child sitting on a box in a refugee camp

To hear an audio version of the poem visit my post (linked in title). I think you might appreciate this poignant poem and it’s unique structure. When I came across this poem (written in 1939), I couldn’t help but be struck by its tragic timeliness. As we watched the world news (war against Ukraine) and saw refugee faces, I hope each of you found a way to give to the relief efforts in a way that makes sense to you. I know the missionary organization I support is grateful for the solidarity of our prayers and for financial gifts. To help the refugee and the most innocent and fragile among us is a great calling.

“The Rain Stick” by Seamus Heaney

Who remembers having a teacher who used a rain stick to gain students’ attention? Who has bought a rain stick at a souvenir stand or toy store? If you are a teacher who has a rain stick or you have an elementary or middle-grade child and a rain stick, you might enjoy this “sound” poem! How do you “listen” to a poem? Visit my post (linked in title) to obtain the “read link” and the “listen to link.”

“The Lanyard” by Billy Collins

Can you repay a mother?

I LOVED “The Lanyard” by former U.S. Poet Laureate Billy Collins as he describes one ordinary childhood event and conveys a sentimental thought. You will love it also if you’ve ever been to camp and made a lanyard and gifted it to your mom (or made any gift for her, really)! It’s the sweetest sentiment of a child making and presenting a handmade gift to a parent as a “thank you” for all the parent has done for the child. It’s unlikely that debt can ever be repaid in kind, but if you accept the gift in the spirit it’s given, it is indeed a “treasured” and “sentimental” gift! Please take 2 minutes and read or listen to this short, poignant poem by visiting my post (linked in title).

10 Novels in Free Verse

My favorite form of poetry is a novel in free verse. See this post (linked above) where I share my favorite 10 Middle Grade (MG) and Young Adult (YA) Novels in Free Verse. These are novels that adults will enjoy…guaranteed!