Poetry Now!

Every once in a while, I come across a poem that I want to share. Read this one and see if you like it, too. Then, for a writing challenge, look at the "Poetry Idea." I'll change this poem every few months. If you want more writing challenges, go to the Poem Starters page.

Poetry Now! Archives

Joyce Sidman

April Rain Song

Let the rain kiss you.

Let the rain beat upon your head with silver liquid drops.

Let the rain sing you a lullaby.

The rain makes still pools on the sidewalk.

The rain makes running pools in the gutter.

The rain plays a little sleep-song on our roof at night—

And I love the rain.

by Langston Hughes

Langston Hughes (1902-1967), one of America’s most beloved poets, was born in Missouri but spent much of his adult life in New York’s Harlem neighborhood. This poem is from The Dream-Keeper and other poems, originally published in 1932, but reissued in a beautiful edition illustrated by Brian Pinkney (Knopf, 1994).

Poetry Idea

This poem is what I call an “invitation” poem. At this time of year, in my part of the country (Minnesota), spring needs a little encouragement. Try writing an “invitation” poem to spring (this poem is fun to write with a friend):

1. Start by brainstorming spring words on a piece of paper: Spring sights, smells, sounds, colors, animals, insects, activities.

2. Then, write a poem to spring, as if you were talking to it. Use your brainstormed ideas, and start your sentences with these words:

Come . . .

Bring . . .

Remember . . .

Loosen . . .

Let . . .

Here is an example from two of my students:

Welcome, Spring!

by Siri & Anna

Come make our tall trees stretch into green.

Bring us the wheat-colored sunshine.

Remember the flowing light breeze?

Loosen the fuzzy bees and the jeweled butterflies.

Let the brick-hard winter vanish for months.

Please come, Spring!