The Shared World

Naomi Shihab Nye’s poem “Gate A-4,” a deeply philosophical and empathetic poem, is the inspiration for this year’s Offical Poster for National Poetry Month. Well, how cool is that! In a world that too often feels alienating and disconnected, Nye captures an experience of connection that emerges in a somewhat unlikely place.

I hope you’ll let the poster (and the poem) inspire you to reflect on the shared world that you’d like to live in. What would that world look like? Would there be tea parties, witches, mythical creatures, children, music, birds, cupcakes - and a shared table? Who would you invite to the table?

The thing is, even when the world we’re living in doesn't take the shape we most long for, even when it feels heart-wrenchingly broken, it matters that we keep our vision alive. What’s yours? Write it down, draw it, create a piece of music, share your ideal with a friend.

Feel free to drop me a note to let me know what your shared world looks like. Meanwhile, I hope you’re finding opportunities to participate in and be inspired by poetry events locally and online throughout April.

Yours in spirit,

Sandra

P.S. The American Academy of Poetry established Poetry Month in 1996. For daily inspiration, you can sign up for their poem-a-day.