I was reminded today by a classmate that April is National Poetry Month. In a live Facebook broadcast, he recited a love poem that he wrote for his wife. It was lovely and more important – from the heart.

I wrote poems in high school to share my unrequited loves, try to help other visualize the movements of the human body during gymnastics and one about our graduation – our transformation into adulthood.

I took up writing poems again after my son left for college and the items that took root in my brain with mothering things, shriveled in the darker corners, and let my creative light shine again.

Writing poems does have advantages. When I was stuck with what to read for my sister’s wedding, I wrote her and her husband a poem. It’s served me well for many years.

The parent who has everything except a million dollars? Write a poem!

My classmate encouraged his friends – particularly male friends, to pick up the pen. “It’s a beautiful way to show her how you feel deep inside.”

It’s a great way to show what you see and how you see things in this world- and yes, he’s right – the feelings you’ve perhaps kept locked away.

Not every poem must be a love poem or sonnet. Or a haiku. The limerick gets a bad rap at times, but it’s poetry with a sense of humor. And who couldn’t use a chuckle? I don’t rhyme well, so my poems tend to be more prose; but hey! my heart is in each one nonetheless.

So, write on my poet friends! To my friends who haven’t tried it since high school – come on and join the bandwagon! You have so many more experiences that you can share now!

And don’t be afraid to dig deep!