Poetry is one of those timeless and ever changing literary forms people have embraced for hundreds of years. From ballads to haiku, narratives to elegies, and odes to limericks…there are a wide range of poetic forms or types of poems that are well worth exploring. The variety poetry provides ensures that there’s something for everyone during every stage of life.

At a young age, parents introduce nursery rhymes to their children who can’t help but smile when listening to the rhythmic nature these timeless poems provide.

Did you know the month of April is both National Poetry Month and Jazz Appreciation Month? In honor of both, let’s explore a song that touches on both poetry and jazz in an interesting way.

Over the years, many songwriters have penned ballads or catchy lyrics we simply can’t get out of our heads. Maybe you remember the nursery rhyme “A Tisket A Tasket” which dates back to the late 1800s. According to Smithsonian Music, Ella Fitzgerald along with Van Alexander integrated it into a song in 1938, which resulted in a breakthrough hit for a then 21 year-old Ella.

Did you know Library cardholders have access to thousands of jazz albums on hoopla?

Online Poetry Resources to Explore

hoopla

Did you know hoopla has thousands of poetry collections in popular digital formats like eBooks and Audiobooks? Use this great Library resource to explore poems by well-known poets like Natasha Trethewey the former Poet Laureate Consultant in Poetry to the Library of Congress. Or maybe Rupi Kaur, the popular Instagram star, is more your speed. Or try works by Naomi Shihab Nye, who was named the Young People’s Poet Laureate by the Poetry Foundation.

And if you’re looking for something light to lift your spirits you can’t go wrong with Francesco Marciuliano who penned memorable collections like I Could Chew on This: And Other Poems by Dogs or Claw the System: Poems from the Cat Uprising.

Poetry Foundation

Established in 2003, made possible from a generous gift from Ruth Lily, the Poetry Foundation evolved from the Modern Poetry Association (founded in 1941). On their website you’ll find short bios of notable poets, poems, podcasts, videos and Poetry magazine. This is a go-to resource for anyone interested in exploring both classic forms of poetry as well as recent works by up and coming poets.

Poets.org

Founded in 1934, the Academy of American Poets provide a variety of poetry resources perfect for teachers, students and the general public. On their website you’ll find American Poets magazine, information about poets, poems, suggested materials and much more. Best of all, you can sign up to receive a poem-a-day delivered directly to your inbox.