Words can excite us, ground us, give us hope, and serve as companions in challenging times. In particular, the growing popularity of poetry throughout the coronavirus pandemic showcases the deep need for the art form, as well as the comfort

It’s important to support Black-owned businesses now more than ever. While the effects of coronavirus have touched nearly every business, especially small businesses, shutdowns have impacted Black-owned businesses at disproportionate levels, The Washington Post reported. More than 40 percent of

It’s no surprise that musicians are often talented poets in their own right. Their skill for creating melodies and lyrics can translate beautifully to written pieces, leaving the reader feeling the harmony and intentionality of their art, no matter the

Mental health issues were on the rise in the United States before the global pandemic, but with the coronavirus separating families and friends and keeping them in quarantine, loneliness is a problem millions of people are facing, along with depression

The month of August promises poetry releases with unique themes and powerful messages from both emerging voices and well-known writers. Collections celebrate Native American culture and Black linguistics, contemplate mortality and meaning, and embark on journeys toward healing and queer

The Enneagram is a personality tool that has gained popularity over the last couple of years. Through a model of nine interconnected personality traits, the Enneagram seeks to help you understand yourself and others better by reflecting on your core

TW: mental disorders, suicidal thoughts Disclaimer: This article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified health provider before starting any new treatment or discontinuing

Maybe you’ve hit a lull with your writing mojo. Maybe you feel like you’ve run out of ideas. Maybe you’re suddenly struck with the itch to write, but you’re looking for a little idea boost. No matter what brought you

The past several months of the COVID-19 pandemic have been draining for people in so many ways. The stressors and uncertainty of our world combined with social isolation have most of us feeling stuck and alone. It can be difficult

Friends may enter our lives at all different stages, but the best ones are here to stay. Whether two friends meet as children, young adults, or even later in life, one thing remains true: they love and support each other.

The Prairie Schooner Book Prize in Poetry has represented one of the top honors in the genre since its inception in 2003. Like past winners Orlando Ricardo Menes and Kathleen Flenniken, this year’s recipient, Korean-American poet Jihyun Yun, seems poised

There are many literary presses in the United States that feature underrepresented voices and provide publishing opportunities for poets who experience discrimination or racism in the publishing industry; Latinx presses are one of them. Latinx presses are an empowering resource

Call Me By Your Name, written by André Aciman, is told from the perspective of Elio, a cultured seventeen-year-old boy, son of two intellectual parents, who takes readers on both an academic and romantic journey. We wander the Italian landscape,

If you’re struggling to approach poetry through a new, creative lens, turning to a newfound form might be just what you need. With their rules regarding rhyme, stanza lengths, and meter, forms push us past our comfort zones and toward

Ruled by the sun, Leos are known for having fiery personalities that draw people in. While confidence and bravery are the main tenets of the Leo demeanor, this can also lead to a stubborn streak. Often natural-born leaders, Leos in

When I think of the poets who have brought me comfort recently, Angie Waters, AKA A. Shea, immediately comes to mind. Angie is a writer who has such a talent for writing about the hard stuff in a way that

The world needs empathy, now more than ever. Empathy helps us rise above our differences and encourages us to listen to others. It’s a skill, a value, and a trait we can nurture to increase our connection to other people.

Once you’ve written and revised your best work, it’s time to send it out into the world. While forces like imposter syndrome and fear of rejection can keep poets from sharing their words, determination and perseverance help stave off these

Group meet-ups and face-to-face learning opportunities are on pause as stay-at-home orders across the nation are in effect. While some writers welcome the extended opportunity for solitude, others may feel stagnant or find inspiration hard to come by. If you’re

Of course, reading and writing usually stand out as a poet’s most beloved pastimes. However, turning to different modes of entertainment can help fend off burn-out. Sometimes, the urge strikes to curl up with take-out and a favorite show. When

Your summer reading list just got a whole lot cooler with these eight hot-off-the-press poetry collections. July is delivering collections from new poets as well as a few seasoned voices. From timely commentary on current events to deep self-reflection and

The sensuous connection between literature and food has been featured in books such as the romantic classic Like Water for Chocolate and the verse collection The Hungry Ear: Poems of Food and Drink, edited by Kevin Young. The descriptive and visual

Much like poetry collections, the best studio albums are created and organized with intent. They have a grounding theme and unique perspective that challenges readers and listeners to analyze their own lives, experiences, and points of view. To complement some

Poetry has long served as a tool for social justice. At Read Poetry, we’ve celebrated poetry’s powerful impact on Black Lives Matter, reproductive rights, and queer rights. Today’s poets regularly take inspiration from modern headlines—from the #MeToo movement to the

In 2020, we’ve seen how the coronavirus pandemic has become a health crisis throughout the world. Nearly every country has dealt with this crisis, and right now, the United States is the global leader in cases, according to CNN. States

Mention epic poetry and the ancient bards most likely spring to mind first: Homer, Virgil, and the mysterious, unknown author of Beowulf. Despite its increasingly rare presence in today’s poetry scene, epic poetry doesn’t have to be forsaken. Simply put,

For this month’s spotlight, I want to do something a little different; I want to highlight love and relationships. Araceli Ream, our featured poet, says that romance is the number one topic she seeks to share in her poetry.   When asked

Literature and public art come together to beautify the outdoors in the form of sidewalk poetry. What is it, exactly? Well, it’s pretty simple. Sidewalk poetry is poetry found along sidewalks, driveways, parking lots, or other outdoor and public or

Whether holding a brush or a pen, both painters and poets have a special knack for capturing a moment and turning it into something much greater—be it a story, a memory, or mythology. Visual art and poetry have a long

The crown chakra, also known as the “highest chakra,” represents spirituality, higher consciousness, presence, and connection. Those may seem like lofty, abstract ideas, but tapping into the crown chakra—located slightly above the head—can be easier than we think. For a