World Poetry Day 2016

Today, March 21, 2016, is World Poetry Day. In 1999, The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) created this day to “recognize the unique ability of poetry to capture the creative spirit of the human mind.”    There is some documentation showing this day, dating as far back as 1950 and in some places around the world, the celebration continues through October.

We have this beautiful statement from the Director-General of UNESCO, Irina Bokova, on the importance of World Poetry Day.

“By paying tribute to the men and women whose only instrument is free speech, who imagine and act. UNESCO recognizes in poetry its value as a symbol of the human spirit’s creativity. By giving form and words that which has none – such as the unfathomable beauty that surrounds us, the immense suffering and misery of the world – poetry contributes to the expression of our common humanity, helping to increase its strength, solidarity and self-awareness.”

To and for all the poets in the world.  To and for all those who appreciate poetry in its various and remarkable forms. To and for all who have gone before us, stand with us and have yet to make their presence known, I am honored to say, I, too, am a poet and this is my day!

Annette Rochelle Aben

http://www.amazon.com/author/annetterochelleaben