International Poetry Day

In the News and Trending for World Poetry Day

World Poetry Day Facts & Quotes

• The oldest love poem in the world was written on a clay tablet during the Sumerian times, which was around 3500 BC.
• Despite having his work as a playwright praised most, William Shakespeare also wrote several poems that have been equally well received, studied and analyzed for centuries by academics and people alike.
• Poetry slam was started by poet Marc Smith in 1986 at a Chicago Jazz Club. It is typically scored on a scale of 1-10 by a panel of judges.
  
• Mahabharata is the longest poem in the world. The Indian epic poem contains about 1.8 million words.
• Poetry is truth in its Sunday clothes. – Joseph Roux, French priest and poet

World Poetry Day Top Events and Things to Do

• Read up about riddles, rhymes, limericks and sonnets and then try to write your very own original poem. Once written, share it on social media as a picture or a note.
• Spread awareness by using the hashtags #WorldPoetryDay, #PoetryDay and #WPD.
• Read a famous poem, such as: Dante’s Inferno, Phenomenal Woman or A Dream Within a Dream.
• Go see a poetry slam show. It is usually dramatic performances, reciting original poetry and is considered to be one of the most interesting ways of engaging poetry.
• Revisit your childhood by reading Dr. Seuss' books. Dr. Seuss was a famous poet and arguably the world's favorite children's author. Read Green Eggs and Ham, One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish and Oh, The Places You'll Go.

World Poetry Day References and Related Sites