Poem In Your Pocket Day 2012

In celebration of National Poetry Month, today, April 26th is Poem In Your Pocket Day. According to the Academy of American Poets, "The idea is simple: select a poem you love during National Poetry Month then carry it with you to share with co-workers, family, and friends. You can also share your poem selection on Twitter by using the hashtag #pocketpoem.

Poems from pockets will be unfolded throughout the day with events in parks, libraries, schools, workplaces, and bookstores.

Need a Poem for Your Pocket?

Along with your library, bookstore, or shelf at home, you can find the perfect poem for your pocket by browsing Poets.org, or by signing up to receive a poem from new spring poetry titles each day during April."



This is the poem in my pocket today. I have loved this poem for many years.

how to build an owl
by Kathleen Lynch

1. decide you must

2. develop deep respect
    for feather, bone, claw

3. place your trembling thumb
    where the heart will be:
    for one hundred hours watch
    so you will know
    where to put the first feather

4. stay awake forever.
    when the bird takes shape
    gently pry open its beak
    and whisper into it: "mouse"

5. let it go
http://www.kathleenlynch.com/
http://www.poets.org/