Elizabeth Bishop and Robert Lowell. Robert Duncan and Denise Levertov. Langston Hughes and Bessie Head. These poets shared meaningful correspondence at times spanning decades. 
 
This April, during the Academy of American Poets' National Poetry Month 2013, we will be celebrating the important and enriching role that letter writing has played in the lives of poets. 
The 2013 National Poetry Month Poster
 
This year's official National Poetry Month poster, which returns us to the essence of writing, was designed by graphic artist Jessica Helfand, who was selected to create the poster by the acclaimed designer Chip Kidd. 
 
 
Please note: Poster orders placed after February are not guaranteed to arrive by April.
The Dear Poet Project

 

Inspired by Letters to a Young Poet, the collection of Rainer Maria Rilke's written exchange with an aspiring poet, this April, we are inviting students to engage with poetry by handwriting letters to some of the poets who serve on the Academy's
 Board of Chancellors.

To help teachers involve their classes, we are happy to present a version of the Dear Poet project for grades 7-11 that has been prepared by a curriculum specialist and aligns with core-curriculum standards. 
 
Tell a Friend: 
Celebrate National Poetry Month in Your Community

The Academy of American Poets originated National Poetry Month in April 1996 and each year makes free resources available to schools, libraries, bookstores and other local organizations to help you celebrate poetry in your community.

Promote your events on the National Poetry Calendar. And, download the official 2013 National Poetry Month logo for use on your website and event materials.

You'll find other event planning resources on the National Poetry Month homepage.
January 2013
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The Academy of American Poets thanks the organizations that help make National Poetry Month possible:
American Booksellers 
Association
American Library Association
National Council of Teachers of English
National Endowment for the Arts
The New York Times 
EBSCO
Poetry Foundation
 
Thanks for being a part of the Academy of American Poets community. To learn about other programs, including National Poetry Month, Poem In Your Pocket Day, the annual Poets Forum, and more, visit Poets.org. Poster Design © Jessica Helfand