I value the poets of my life. They are a special treasure. Each possessing a unique ability to see the world or a leaf, and capture it in a minimal number of words, while sharing some deeper meaning.

I am not a poet. I did write some verse while I was in high school, serving as the poetry editor for my high school’s literary journal. None of my pieces had the qualities I value now in poetry.

Robert Louis Stevenson

In elementary school, I memorized “Leaves At Play” by Robert Louis Stevenson. The words stay with me still. Every fall, when I see fallen leaves swirling on the ground, I hear the “old Wind shout, laughing, as you run…”

In addition to being a poet, Stevenson was an author of classics. I read Kidnapped multiple times. On my reading list for the future is Travels with a Donkey in the Cévennes. Just this line from that book makes me hungry to begin it: For my part, I travel not to go anywhere, but to go. I travel for travel’s sake.

Robert Frost

My father loved Robert Frost. We talked many times about Robert Frost’s poem “Mending Wall.” The image of tumbled boulders and ancient stone fences dotting the landscape enrich my life. How could you not chuckle at:

We have to use a spell to make them balance:
‘Stay where you are until our backs are turned!’

My husband and I visited Robert Frost’s home in Vermont during a vacation many years ago. The inspiration for his poetry was there before our eyes.

Paul Simon

Although he’s classified a songwriter, many of Paul Simon’s lyrics are pure poetry. My high school friends and I listened to Simon & Garfunkel songs repeatedly. The magic of Paul’s lyrics is timeless. His words paint pictures with emotion. I see the emptiness of “The Dangling Conversation”:

It’s a still life watercolor
Of a now-late afternoon
As the sun shines through the curtain lace
And shadows wash the room

Maya Angelou

The first time I heard Maya Angelou recite one of her poems was in 1993 at Bill Clinton’s presidential inauguration, and I had to read more of her poetry. As I write this, The Complete Collected Poems of Maya Angelou sits by my left arm. Her poems are strong; offer hope; lay the truth bare. From the 1993 “On the Pulse of Morning:”

Lift up your eyes upon
This day breaking for you.
Give birth again
To the dream.

Dr. Seuss

The gem of my favorites is Theodor Seuss Geisel–Dr. Seuss. In playful words and rhymes, he wove powerful messages, like: So be sure when you step. Step with care and great tact and remember that Life’s a Great Balancing Act. His words play with our minds and lift our spirits. Such a wonderful thing for a poet to accomplish.

Celebrate Poets

April is National Poetry Month. It’s a great time to celebrate poets. Read a poem. Write a poem. Share a poem. Value the poets. Who is your favorite poet?