I think that I shall never see

A poem lovely as a tree.

-Joyce Kilmer

I’ve always loved that poem. And I’ve always loved poetry. I’m not much of a poet, and I don’t always understand every nuance of a poem. But I love when words sing. And when I read a poem that trips along my tongue and pricks my senses enough to pry open a smile, then I’m happy.

So, I’m especially happy that April is National Poetry Month. And I’m just about jump out of my skin happy to find a place where I can read a children’s poem every day for the next thirty days! (I think I may actually understand most of those poems.) Check out GottaBook for Gregory K.’s 30 Poets /30 Days. Jack Prelutsky started the party, so to speak, with a poem written especially for National Poetry Month.  I can’t wait to find out what all the other gifted poets will share. Bet there’ll be plenty of Keepers in the bunch!

Oh, and that tree? It’s in my front yard. And d’you see that place in the tree where the branches spread? The place just right for a little kid to climb and dream? I love that dreaming tree.It’s a great spot for thinking up poems…and maybe a prank or two.

If you haven’t come up with a prank for April Fool’s yet, check out this spot for all things April and foolish. And P.S. I found it at School Library Journal’s (free) newsletter. Sign up if you want to find daily Keepers!