Author: thepoetslist

In 1994, frustrated that such a thing didn’t already exist, philanthropist and poetry lover William Sieghart founded National Poetry Day and started campaigning for institutions, broadcasters and like-minded people to celebrate it every October. Last Thursday, on the festival’s 21st birthday, Radio 4 welcomed it into full adulthood with We British, which aimed to explore … Continue reading Radio 4’s celebration of National Poetry Day was beautiful (via The Telegraph) →

First Lady Michelle Obama honored five young American poets at the White House this morning, including one Alaskan: Anna Lance, a 17-year-old from Eagle River, who represents the West. But being named a National Student Poet isn’t just about glory. It comes with an obligation, too. “I look forward  to this event every year,” Mrs. Obama said, at … Continue reading Alaskan girl receives White House honor, appointment as poetry ‘ambassador’ (via Alaska Public Media) →

Make like a poet,” urge the organisers of National Poetry Day, the “annual mass celebration of poetry and all things poetical” which will sweep the country tomorrow. Specifically, they’re suggesting that we live, speak, love, think, dream and act like poets. But beyond this, what actually happens on National Poetry Day? On Thursday 8 October … Continue reading What actually happens on National Poetry Day? (via The Telegraph) →

From poignant to comedic, a Syrian-American woman's poetry is aimed at dismantling stereotypes of Islam. Some of the topics of Mohja Kahf’s writings may surprise you. “We just won’t spell it out, but there’s another fast that happens in Ramadan that no one ever talks about,” she says during a recent reading at the Houston Public Library’s downtown location. … Continue reading New Program Explores The Role Of Poetry In The Muslim Community (via Houston Public Media) →