Don't be adverse to verse: April is national poetry month at the library

Novels may reign as queen of literary formats, but poetry has maintained its status as a higher form of literature.

Poems are a unique way to express something in an artistic way, using vibrant imagery to evoke strong emotion. Sadly, poetry also has a reputation for being elitist or boring.

Library staff would like to suggest some poetry so you can decide for yourself. We strongly believe that every reader can find poems they can read and enjoy. Poetry can be in just about any genre and for every age.

An excellent place to start is with the work of Maya Angelou. Her poetry reflects her love of language and the importance of the spoken word.  The complete collection of her inspiring work can be found in “The Complete Poetry” including "Still I Rise" and "On the Pulse of the Morning."

Rudyard Kipling, in addition to writing novels such as “The Jungle Book”, was also a prolific poet. He was particularly affected by World War I as well as the natural world. These themes are expressed in “Poems” by Kipling. This volume includes his well-known work "Mandalay," which centers on a cockney soldier in colonial Burma.

For poems with local flavor, try “Cowboy Country: the Poetry of Larry Chittenden the Ranch Poet of West Texas” edited by Doris Spraberry. Chittenden is best known for "The Cowboys’ Christmas Ball," which he was inspired to write after attending the Anson ball in 1890.

Works by the great Latin American poet and nun Juana Ines De La Cruz are collected in “Sor Juana Inés De La Cruz: Selected Works." Described as a fiery feminist, De La Cruz’s poetry includes playful ballads, poems of love and a defense of the right of all women to study and write.

Make the experience of poetry a family affair with “The Poets' Corner: The One-and-Only Poetry Book for the Whole Family” from John Lithgow, who grew up with poetry a large part of his childhood. Poems by Blake, Ginsberg and Poe are read by familiar voices including Kathy Bates, Morgan Freeman and Sam Waterson on the included CD. Carefully selected poems provide an experience sure to appeal to those new to poetry as well as those who already love the format.

Introduce younger readers to poetry with one of the many books we have geared for children of all ages. “Good Night, Cowboy” and “Good Night, Cowgirl, both by Glenn Dromgoole, are perfect for bedtime reading with lullaby poems and dreamy illustrations.

Organized by region, “The Poetry of US: More than 200 poems That Celebrate the People, Places, and Passions of the United States” is a lyrical journey through the wonders of America with former U.S. Children's Poet Laureate J. Patrick Lewis. Works come from authors ranging from Langston Hughes to Walt Whitman. For ages 13-18, “Abuela, Don’t Forget Me” is author Rex Ogle’s lyrical portrait of his beloved grandmother.

Give poetry a chance by borrowing one of the many titles we have on shelf as well as through our free Hoopla streaming service. You might just find a new favorite.

This article originally appeared on Abilene Reporter-News: Don't be adverse to verse: April is national poetry month at the library